Science

The Scientific Attitude and Life

The scientific attitude is a respect for facts; it is characterized by an objective, an experimental attitude towards life. If we have a scientific outlook, we shall regards every aspect of life as a field for research.

A scientific life is a simple life. People often think that science makes life more complicated, but this is a mistake. Science will help us, for example, to understand the value of fresh air. We are in the habit of covering ourselves with clothing all the twenty-four hours; some part of the body are never exposed to the sunlight, and the body loses its vitality. Science teaches us to wear fewer clothes and so to simplify life. In a scientific society, men will build houses of one storey rather than ten, and see that each house has open space around it so that light and air can enter. Science will improve health so much that medicines will scarcely be needed, though the very best remedies will be available if need should arise. There will be doctors, but their services will not be much in demand. Good spectacles will be available, but men of scientific outlook will take care of their eyesight. In the same way aeroplanes will continue to fly, but they will be needed only occasionally; men will prefer to walk, and to enjoy themselves by rambling in the forests. And in a scientific world there will be little need of artificial lighting, for people will prefer to spend the night sleeping under the stars. Science will not be used to deprive man of healthful bodily labour, but to lighten his burdens and to increase his vitality and vigour.

Science has expanded, no doubt, but the scientific attitude is still lacking to a large extent; life in general has not become scientific. S. V.-1201