PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 236, 6 October 1936, Page 10

PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE

s m Richard Gregory is the editor of “ Nature, ” one of the chief scientific journals in tlic world. H. G. Wells once called it the world’s most important newspaper. Now, old and honoured among his scientific colleagues, Sir Richard Gregory has lectured at the Royal Institution, London, on “Science in a Changing World,” writes Tcllurion in the “Leader.” There are many fascinating reminiscences and recollections in the lecture, but the portion that I should liho to bring under notice is the concluding part, in which Sir Richard tries to find some harmony, some explanation, concerning the puzzling question of the powers of scientific knowledge for good or evil in this changing world. “The pursuit of knowledge must go forward, whatever the consequences,” he affirms, “but the man of science cannot disregard the social effects of his discoveries. If he creates a Frankenstein monster that becomes the terror of the human race, he may himself end m being shunned by civilised society or his passion for truth be put under con trol because of the dangers to which it may lead.

Science and Its Influence

“It is an ironical comment upon modern civilisation that the social reaction to the tjifts of plenty made possible by the progress of scientific knowledge is not a corresponding increase of human welfare, but distress and unemployment and the prostitution of scientific effort to purposes <>{ destruction. “Science can provide the world with everything required for the maintenance of a growing population in a rising standard of comfort; but there aro no accepted principles for the right use of the new powers, and international agreements are mainly adjustments of national interests conceived in confined physical atmospheres and determined by expediency. While this spirit prevails, the prospect of finding a formula which will unite civilised people for the general well-being of humanity seems almost hopeless. A regenerative influence is required to save civilisation from disaster, and the mission of science in the changing world of to-day should be tc introduce it into the Held of social biology, and thus enable us still to believe in the highest destiny of man.’’