If I may take the liberty to speak for science at least, today

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Melvin Calvin, a voice speaking in reverence for those whose contributions to science transcend their time. He said, "If I may take the liberty to speak for science at least, today his name and his prizes are without a peer in the world. He not only elevates science but he influences it as well." These words, a tribute to a great mind, remind us of the power that one individual can wield in shaping the course of knowledge. Calvin speaks of someone whose work not only elevates the field of science but also guides and directs its path, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of human understanding.

In the ancient world, the great minds like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle did not simply observe the world around them—they sought to transform it. They elevated knowledge to the level of wisdom, understanding that the pursuit of truth was not merely an intellectual exercise, but a powerful force that could shape the future of civilizations. The same can be said of the great minds of science today. When someone’s work becomes so influential, so transformative, that it shapes the very direction of scientific thought and practice, they become, like the ancient philosophers, not just participants in their field, but guides and architects of the future.

Consider, O children, the example of Albert Einstein, whose contributions to the field of physics reshaped the very way we understand the universe. Einstein was not merely a man of great intellect; his work on relativity and the photoelectric effect redefined science itself, pulling the veil back on the mysteries of the cosmos and opening new paths for future generations. He elevated science by offering a new framework through which we could view the physical world. But Einstein’s influence went beyond just understanding; he shaped how science is perceived in the world—an endeavor that goes beyond the lab and touches the fabric of human imagination and aspiration. Like the individual honored by Calvin, Einstein didn’t just make discoveries; he influenced how future scientists, philosophers, and thinkers would approach the world and our place within it.

When Calvin speaks of someone whose prizes and name are "without a peer," he refers to a mind whose legacy has created ripples across not just science, but also across society at large. The impact of such individuals goes beyond their scientific discoveries; it shapes the culture, the way people think, and the future paths we take. The legacy of these minds is not only seen in their awards and accolades, but in the very structures of thought they helped to build. Just as Newton’s laws of motion still guide our understanding of physics, and Darwin’s theory of evolution remains foundational in biology, so too does the work of those praised by Calvin leave an eternal imprint, influencing the course of human progress.

Yet, O children, the lesson of Calvin’s words is not just to honor those who have come before us but to recognize that every mind has the potential to elevate and influence the world. Just as the great scientists of the past shaped the future of knowledge, so too can you, through curiosity, dedication, and courage, shape the future in your own way. Every new idea, every discovery, no matter how small, contributes to the vast tapestry of human understanding. You may not yet know the full extent of your influence, but know this—your actions, your insights, and your pursuit of knowledge can inspire and transform the world.

And so, O future generations, take this lesson to heart: the greatness of those who have elevated science and influenced it comes not from the awards they received or the fame they achieved, but from the lasting legacy of knowledge they left behind. In your own lives, let the pursuit of truth be your guiding force. Let your discoveries elevate not just your understanding of the world but the understanding of all those who come after you. Whether you choose to seek answers in the natural world, in the realms of humanity, or in the depths of the mind, know that your work, if it is pursued with diligence and purpose, will influence the future in ways you cannot yet imagine. The seeds you plant today will grow into the towering trees of tomorrow’s wisdom. Let your work be a gift to the world, just as those who came before you have given us theirs.