What is Science ? (The Essence of Science)

We come across so many things in our lives, and yet, we most often ignore their significance. We eat everyday, sleep everyday, use scientific technology, go about our daily lives. Do we stop and notice something, and ask, "How did that came into being? What is the story of its origin?" The answer is - Most of us do not. We wonder about different things in our lives, and yet, the key to understanding them, is never asked about. You won't find many people asking 'What is Science?'

We live in a World described, controlled and driven by Science - a world that has been influenced with the use of technology so much that from 5-year olds to 75-year olds know how to use modern technologies. Yet, when we hear the term 'Scientist', we often misregard it. We say that 'it is for only child prodigies, not for any passionate human being'. Why is that? Why is there such a stereotypical thinking that drives parents towards making their kids engineers, but away from them helping their kids become scientists?

We came across around 100 people, who gave us very different and unique answers, but there was one of them, that stood out. A young kid (around 9-10 years of age) said that 'parents do not want their children to become scientists because according to them, a scientist's success is related to the number of discoveries / breakthroughs they do in their professional career.' A beautifully spoken statement, and yet there are many things hidden behind it.

How is Success measured in the field of Science ?

Before we move on to discuss more about why the kid responded the way he did, let us take a step or two back. Let us all go to our own school times. To those who love science, I want to ask this question to them -

What made you fell in love with science? Is it still the reason you love it right now? If not, how did it change for you over time?

Think about this question. Now, rewind back and think if you studied science because you understood it or because you wanted to clear exams. You now know your own answers. This is the real meaning of what that kid said. Today's parents do not understand the essence of science - as they (and the world as we know it) have made 'money' and 'fame' two unprecendented parameters to measure someone's success.

The world seems to have forgotten that study of science is not something that has anything to do with money or fame; it has to do with understanding our own system and surroundings. Understanding our own environment is what we call 'Science'. That is the reason it was previously called 'EVS - Environmental Science'. We cannot blame anyone for this, though. It has evolved and inculcated in our system for generations now. It is important for us to understand our parents' point of view, and for them to understand our point of view.

Even many of us do not understand the True Essence of Science - it is to understand things, not discover them. Even brilliant minds like Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Rene Descartes, Madame Curie, Stephen Hawking - all of them regarded that we should not run after discoveries, but curiosity. It is what brought them success in their lives.

Many of us seem to forget that the true meaning of science is to ask questions. There is not right or wrong question. Quench your thirst for knowledge, and convert it into wisdom by making it help humanity. This is what we call Engineering. Some of us also refer to it as 'Applied Sciences'. The very origin of engineering came from within science itself (no surprises there ! ).

It is surprising, isn't it? The fact that people prefer to become or let their children become engineers and not scientists? Both of them are of equal importance to the world. Many engineers are scientists and many scientists are engineers. That does not demeanor one field or career. Next time, whenever someone asks you what is science, make sure to mention these facts for them, and make them fell in love with science for its essence !