"We now witness the constructive work on a foundation that will endure through the ages. That foundation is the god of science - revealed to us in terms that will harmonize with our intelligence"
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John Fiske’s words evoke a period of intellectual transformation, where science emerges as a central pillar in understanding existence. The "constructive work" refers to the collaborative and rigorous efforts of scientists and thinkers to build a system of knowledge grounded in empirical truth rather than speculation or superstition. By referencing a "foundation", Fiske suggests that this scientific framework is not a passing trend but an enduring base upon which future generations will continue to build. The durability implied – a foundation to "endure through the ages" – conveys his confidence in the lasting value of science as a guiding force for humanity.
Calling science "the god" reconfigures traditional views of divinity and authority. Rather than invoking the supernatural, Fiske positions science as something worthy of reverence because of its transformative power and capacity for revealing deeper realities. This is not to deify science in a literal religious sense, but to recognize its role as a unifying principle that commands respect and shapes values. Science becomes the mechanism through which mysteries are explored, and uncertainties made comprehensible.
Fiske emphasizes that science "reveals" insight "in terms that will harmonize with our intelligence". This approach stands in contrast to doctrines that demand blind faith or suppress inquiry. Scientific discoveries do not alienate us from reason; instead, they invite us into understanding that aligns with human faculties of thought, logic, and observation. This alignment is crucial, as it ensures that the pursuit of knowledge is accessible, inclusive, and empowering.
Ultimately, Fiske envisions an era where science and reason are not at odds with existential questions but become the chosen means by which humans seek truth and meaning. Through this new foundation, individuals are not forced into dogma but are instead encouraged to participate in the ongoing construction of knowledge, bridging wisdom from the past with discoveries yet to come.
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