The century of biology
August 30th 2007 11:33
The 20th century left us a wonderful foundation, but the 21st century will be the big one for biology.
Sean B. Carroll, evolutionary developmental biologist, author of three books on the subject, and newly elected member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in the United States, is one of those writers who present really exciting concepts to anyone who’ll listen. His book “Endless Forms Most Beautiful” is a rip-snorting read, full of wonder and intrigue for anyone even remotely interested in biology. I read such books both with amazement and enthusiasm, but also a tinge of sadness. Most people in the world are utterly oblivious to the wonders of nature. I think of what they’re missing out on; what a waste that people are instead more occupied with trivia. That’s not actually their fault, though. They have been let down by a lacklustre education system too timid to teach students the value of critical thinking. Science doesn’t arouse our passion because we have been taught that it is for “nerds”, that it is “boring”. Much of this comes down to the manner in which it has been taught (often mind-numbingly boring, I’ll give you that, and enough to turn away many a potentially interested student), but the media has often depicted science as something quite alien and irrelevant, to take a back seat to sport and gossip. Luckily, there are signs that all of this will change.
The findings of science are becoming more and more relevant to the way we live our lives. We can no longer really afford to be passive consumers, trusting the word of corporations and governments. An informed, up to date citizenry is not only crucial for the advancement of science but also for the preservation of democracy and accountability. Corporations and governments will have a much harder time lying to us when we can call their bluff, and they will be less inclined to even attempt such shenanigans when they suspect that we actually care. And to remain competitive, it is actually in the fundamental interests of these bodies to encourage and improve the teaching of science. This will expose many students to the implications of biology in fields as diverse as agriculture, fisheries management, disease control, medicine, and ecology - all of vital concern in today’s world, for a multitude of good reasons. Hopefully, with that, will come a new appreciation for what it means to be a human being living on this fragile planet, dependent upon the healthy functioning of the other inhabitants we share this real estate with. Being at least somewhat knowledgeable about biology (and indeed, science in general) is a moral imperative for all concerned people, and we should not be afraid to instil that idea into our children (even more for their own sake, because they will inherit this world. Should we have done a poor job of maintaining it, we at least owe them the tools with which to do better). It is in fact high time we did so.
Sean B. Carroll, evolutionary developmental biologist, author of three books on the subject, and newly elected member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in the United States, is one of those writers who present really exciting concepts to anyone who’ll listen. His book “Endless Forms Most Beautiful” is a rip-snorting read, full of wonder and intrigue for anyone even remotely interested in biology. I read such books both with amazement and enthusiasm, but also a tinge of sadness. Most people in the world are utterly oblivious to the wonders of nature. I think of what they’re missing out on; what a waste that people are instead more occupied with trivia. That’s not actually their fault, though. They have been let down by a lacklustre education system too timid to teach students the value of critical thinking. Science doesn’t arouse our passion because we have been taught that it is for “nerds”, that it is “boring”. Much of this comes down to the manner in which it has been taught (often mind-numbingly boring, I’ll give you that, and enough to turn away many a potentially interested student), but the media has often depicted science as something quite alien and irrelevant, to take a back seat to sport and gossip. Luckily, there are signs that all of this will change.
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