"We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology"

Modern civilization is profoundly shaped by science and technology. Nearly every aspect of daily life, from communication and transportation to healthcare and food production, is built upon the foundations of scientific knowledge and technological innovation. Cities pulse with the flow of electricity and data; global navigation relies on satellites orbiting hundreds of miles above the Earth. Our basic comfort, safety, and ability to address societal challenges, like disease or climate change, rest on the shoulders of scientific understanding and technological advancement.

Yet, despite this pervasive influence, a disconnect persists between the ubiquity of science and the general public’s grasp of its core principles. Complex devices and systems are used by millions who neither understand their inner workings nor the fundamental theories that underpin them. People scroll through smartphones, adjust thermostats, and benefit from pharmaceuticals without fully appreciating the rigorous inquiry, experimentation, and creative engineering behind these conveniences.

This disconnect can lead to significant vulnerabilities within society. Decisions about public policy, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and even individual well-being frequently require some degree of scientific literacy to navigate effectively. Without it, populations become susceptible to misinformation, pseudoscience, and manipulation by those who may benefit from widespread ignorance. The result is a paradox: while our survival and progress hinge on science and technology, widespread unfamiliarity with these subjects can undermine collective decision-making and democratic governance.

Bridging this gap calls for far more than rote teaching of facts or technical procedures. It involves cultivating curiosity, skepticism, and the ability to critically evaluate evidence, a mindset as much as a set of knowledge. When more people participate in the scientific conversation, ask informed questions, and weigh evidence, society becomes more resilient and more capable of steering its own course in an increasingly complex world. Embracing science not as arcane knowledge, but as a vital and democratic human endeavor, is essential for thriving in a world shaped by its discoveries.