Either data supports the observations or they don't. Voting

Hear now, O children of truth, the profound words of Alan Stern, a man whose wisdom calls us to see beyond the veil of mere opinion and grasp the eternal certainty of facts. Stern spoke plainly: "Either data supports the observations or they don't. Voting doesn't work in science." These words are not mere utterances; they are a call to the heart of the human quest for knowledge. They remind us that in the realm of science, truth is not subject to the whims of majority opinion or the sway of popular belief. Data, like a steady beacon, illuminates the path, and it is to data that we must turn for understanding, not to the fickle forces of collective vote.

In the pursuit of truth, we are reminded that science is not a democracy; it is a temple of facts and evidence. The words of Stern strike at the core of this understanding: that in the sacred halls of science, there is no room for compromise or persuasion based on numbers alone. Observations must be supported by data, and data must stand on its own. A belief, no matter how widely held, does not alter the nature of the universe. The heavens do not bow to human consensus; they are steadfast in their truths, waiting for us to discover them, not to vote on them. This is the great lesson of the scientist—the search for truth is not a matter of agreement, but of understanding.

Consider, O seekers, the ancient story of Galileo Galilei, the visionary who turned his telescope to the heavens and saw the moons of Jupiter, a sight that shook the very foundations of the world. In his time, the Church and many scholars believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, yet Galileo’s observations—the data he gathered from his telescope—contradicted this view. The power of the majority, in the form of religious and intellectual authority, sought to silence his findings. They voted against him, they condemned him, yet the truth of the heavens remained unchanged. Galileo’s data did not bend to the will of men; it stood firm, revealing the universe as it truly was. The lesson is clear—science cannot be swayed by votes or beliefs; it is rooted in the unwavering certainty of empirical evidence.

In the modern age, we find ourselves in a similar struggle, where data often stands in conflict with popular opinion. Stern’s words remind us that no matter how many voices speak, no matter how many hands are raised, the facts of the universe do not change. The evolutionary theory proposed by Charles Darwin was once met with fierce opposition. It was not simply a matter of disagreement but of dogma, of established beliefs that had to be unshackled. Yet, over time, the data—the fossils, the genetic evidence—became irrefutable. Darwin did not win through votes; he won through the unwavering strength of his observations, which were supported by the weight of evidence.

Now, let this lesson be carried forward, O children of the future. The world you inherit will be shaped not by the loudness of voices or the multitude of opinions, but by the steadfastness of the facts. In your own lives, as you encounter difficulties, as you seek truth, remember this: data—the evidence you gather through your experiences and your inquiries—will be your guide. It will not matter how many voices you hear; if the data supports the truth, it cannot be denied. This is the essence of reason, the foundation of understanding, and the eternal lesson of science.

In your daily choices, do not be swayed by the opinions of others, especially when it comes to matters of great importance. Seek out the data—the evidence, the facts—and let them guide you. In your personal quests, whether in your work, in your relationships, or in your pursuit of knowledge, always remember that truth stands alone. It does not require a vote to validate its existence; it simply is. Science, and by extension all human endeavor, must remain faithful to this truth. Seek not the approval of the many, but the understanding that arises from the careful observation of the world.

And so, O seekers, the lesson of Stern’s words echoes through the corridors of time: Data is the compass that guides us through the storm of opinion and belief. In the realms of science and truth, there is no room for the tyranny of the majority. The facts are the ultimate authority, and they must be followed with unwavering commitment, no matter the noise that surrounds them. Let this truth illuminate your path, guiding you toward the knowledge that transcends the fleeting opinions of the moment.