Introduction:
The discoveries and inventions of science have made the present day civilization what it is. When we contrast the conditions of life prevailing a hundred years back with amenities and comforts that we enjoy today, we realize the debt of gratitude that we owe to science and the scientists. They have been the controllers of man’s destiny all through these years of hectic progress. Their responsibilities are still greater in the present day world. The future of civilization hangs on their discoveries. They have to discharge their responsibilities to posterity in a manner that the future generations may not hold scientists responsible for their utter annihilation in case a global war in forced on the humanity by ambitious politicians bent on cursing the inventions and discoveries of science.
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Search for truth:
The scientist is by nature a seeker of truth. He burns incense at the alter of goddess of truth. It is the first great responsibility of modern scientist is to advance the cause of truth ad bring to light those thoughts which are yet hidden from man’s view. Truths are varied kinds, and the scientist as a lover of knowledge for its own sake, has to widen the frontiers of knowledge and truth by his investigation and research.
Harnessing the forces of nature:
In the past, scientists have conquered nature in its various forms. The controls that man exercises today over the earth, the sky and sea, is primarily due to the working of the scientists’ mind. But scientists have not yet been able to exercise complete sway and control over all the forces of nature. It is expected of scientists that they will work patiently and laboriously in their laboratories and following the example of illustrious scientists like Marconi and Alva Edison, work for the establishment of man’s control over the forces of nature. It will really be a great day if scientists succeed in conquering death and decay, and in controlling the destructing forces of nature, such as earthquakes and typhoons, which bring devastation and destruction to humanity.
Good use of scientific discoveries:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
It is one of the greatest responsibilities of modern scientists to see that their discoveries and inventions are utilized for the progress and welfare of humanity rather than for its destruction. Ambitious politicians in their craze for power have used scientific inventions for purposes of destruction. We know how atomic energy which could have been used for constructive purposes has been harnessed to the making of the atom-bomb, which brought destruction and devastation to Japan in the Second World War. The atomic energy has vast potentialities to covert arid and barren deserts into flourishing fields if properly employed. It is therefore, the great responsibility of modern scientists to see that their discoveries are properly used for the well-being and welfare of humanity rather than for destroying that fabric of civilization which has been reared with great industry and labor by our ancestors. The scientists are required to be saviors of humanity and not its destroyers. Hence in the present day world it is great responsibility of scientist to work together with determination not to let politicians use their discoveries for destructive purposes. Scientists should have the courage to unite and take an oath that under no circumstances and conditions they would use their energies in making discoveries likely to be used for destructive purposes. Scientist should boldly bring home to the political leaders of their country that under no conditions will they allow their discoveries to be used for the destruction of humanity. As a matter of fact scientists should not put forth their energies in inventions that have fear of destruction and make only those inventions, which may advance the well-being of humanity and civilization in the future.
Conclusion:
The fate of humanity is in the hands of financiers and scientists. If the scientists fail to realize their great responsibilities and work for the destruction of humanity by discovering deadly weapons of warfare, posterity will have nothing, but curses for them. Further, if the scientists emphasize on material aspects of life only and disregard spiritual and mystical aspects, even then they would not be leading humanity on the pat of salvation and redemption. It is necessary that scientists while devoting themselves to research and investigation should not denounce God and spiritual basis of life. Scientists should not lay all emphasis on the supremacy of the atom, but should also take into account the supremacy of the creator of the atom. If scientists cultivate a little of the mystical vision of saints and seers, they will feel a check from ‘within’.