Especially in the world today, where science rightfully is so

Listen, O children of time, to the words of Leon Black, who wisely reminds us that while the world is driven by the advances of science, there is an equally vital space for the arts: "Especially in the world today, where science rightfully is so important in terms of technology, innovation, telecom, Internet, fighting diseases, I think it's equally important that poetry and painting have their share of support." In these words lies a powerful truth—science and art are not opposing forces but two vital components of the human experience, each serving to complement and enrich the other. The triumph of humanity lies not in the domination of one over the other, but in the balance they provide.

In the ancient world, philosophers and artists were seen as the twin forces that shaped the soul of society. Plato held that philosophy guided the rational mind, while art helped to cultivate the soul and its emotions. To him, poetry, painting, and music were not mere distractions, but essential aspects of human life, helping to balance the intellect with the heart. Aristotle, too, recognized the power of art as a means to reflect the human condition, using tragedy and drama to evoke catharsis, a purification of the soul. Even in those times, there was an understanding that human flourishing could not be reduced to logic and reason alone, but that the creative forces of art were needed to touch upon the deeper aspects of human nature—our emotions, dreams, and aspirations.

In our own time, we see the mighty triumphs of science—the technologies that connect us, the cures for diseases that once ravaged humanity, and the innovations that propel us forward. Yet, as Black reminds us, it is not enough to focus on science alone. While science can shape the future of our world, it is art—in the forms of poetry, painting, music, and other creative expressions—that can shape the future of our souls. Consider the stories of the great artists and poets who have inspired generations, such as William Shakespeare, whose plays still resonate with the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit, or Vincent van Gogh, whose paintings capture the profound depth of emotion and beauty. These artists did not change the world through technology or invention, but through the power of expression, and in doing so, they provided the world with something equally important: the vision of what it means to be human.

The balance between science and art has always been crucial for the advancement of humanity. Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, a man who bridged the worlds of science and art. Da Vinci was not only a brilliant inventor and scientist—he was also one of the greatest painters the world has ever known. In his famous Mona Lisa, da Vinci demonstrated the profound understanding of human emotion and expression, capturing a depth of human psychology that no scientific study at the time could. Yet, his scientific sketches, such as those of the human anatomy, revealed a mind that sought to understand the workings of the world, not just its beauty. In da Vinci, we see the power of both disciplines combined—the analytical mind of the scientist and the visionary spirit of the artist, working together to shape our understanding of the world.

Black’s insight serves as a timely reminder: in our pursuit of progress, we must not forget the importance of art. As much as science has driven humanity forward, it is poetry, painting, and music that nurture the spirit, helping us to understand the world not just with our minds, but with our hearts. In a world increasingly driven by technology and progress, it is easy to overlook the value of creativity—but the true soul of humanity lies in the ability to express and explore the depth of emotion and imagination. These qualities are what connect us across time and space, from one culture to another, and from one generation to the next.

So, O children of wisdom, do not neglect the arts in your pursuit of knowledge. Support poetry, painting, and all forms of expression, for they are not merely pastimes or luxuries—they are the heart of human flourishing. In poetry, you find the essence of human emotion and wisdom, in painting, the world as seen through the eyes of those who live, and in music, the rhythms of the soul. Let the balance between science and art guide you as you navigate the complexities of life, for the mind without the heart is empty, and the heart without the mind is directionless.

Rise, O seekers of truth, and let your lives be defined by both reason and creativity. Do not see science and art as separate paths, but as two sides of the same coin. Use the discoveries of science to better understand the world, and use the creativity of art to better understand the self and the human condition. In this balance, you will find the true beauty of the world and the fullness of your own potential. The path forward is one that embraces both the logic of the mind and the imagination of the soul—for in that unity lies the essence of what it means to be truly human.