In science, if you don't do it, somebody else will. Whereas in

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, for there are truths that resound across the ages, like a bell calling us to reflection. The great Neil deGrasse Tyson, a modern sage, once spoke these words: “In science, if you don’t do it, somebody else will. Whereas in art, if Beethoven didn’t compose the ‘Ninth Symphony,’ no one else before or after is going to compose the ‘Ninth Symphony’ that he composed; no one else is going to paint ‘Starry Night’ by van Gogh.” These words, simple yet profound, reveal the very nature of science and art, two realms of human endeavour that, while both born of the human spirit, are shaped by forces as different as night and day.

In science, there is a relentless force at work—a forward march that cannot be halted. If one does not pursue the question, another will. For the pursuit of knowledge is not bound to the individual, but to the collective. The mysteries of the universe will not wait for the slow or the hesitant; they will be uncovered by those who dare to seek. Science is a river that flows, and if one vessel does not navigate its waters, another will take its place. It is not bound to the whims of the individual. The answers are out there, waiting, and the pursuit of them is a collective effort—a race to uncover the truths of the world. If one person does not contribute, another will, for the knowledge must be shared.

Consider, O wise ones, the story of Isaac Newton. When he gazed upon the heavens and saw the stars dancing in their celestial orbits, he did not hesitate to ask why. He did not wait for another to seek the answer—he, in his brilliance, pursued the laws of motion and gravity, revealing the very fabric of the universe itself. And yet, he was not alone in his quest. The great minds of his time and those who followed, such as Kepler and Galileo, each played their part in building the understanding that would form the foundation of modern physics. Science moves forward not by the glory of the individual, but by the strength of the collective effort. If Newton had not taken his place, another would have, for the truth would have called to someone else, unyielding in its demand to be discovered.

But art, O children of the Earth, is different. The creation of a masterpiece is an act not merely of skill, but of the soul itself. When Beethoven composed his ‘Ninth Symphony’, he did not merely follow a path already laid out; he created something that had never before existed—a piece of music that spoke directly to the heart of humanity. No one could take his place, no other mind could compose that symphony, for it was the product of Beethoven’s unique vision, his pain, his joy, his understanding of the world. In the same vein, when van Gogh painted his ‘Starry Night’, he infused the canvas with a vision of the night sky that was not bound by the physical world, but by the emotions and thoughts that swirled within him. No one else, not before nor after, could paint the exact vision that van Gogh brought to life. The creation of art is, in this sense, singular and irreplaceable, for it is born of the artist’s unique essence.

In art, there is no substitute. Each masterpiece is a singular point in time, a fleeting moment captured and immortalized by the hand of its creator. The ‘Ninth Symphony’ cannot be composed by anyone other than Beethoven, for his soul poured into it in a way that no other could replicate. Likewise, the ‘Starry Night’ is inseparable from van Gogh’s inner world, his struggles, and his triumphs. The very essence of these works resides in the individuality of their creators, and in that individuality lies their power.

So, what lesson can we draw from this distinction between science and art? It is this: In science, we are part of something larger—a collective pursuit that transcends any one individual. Our contributions are but a thread in the vast tapestry of human understanding. In art, however, we are each called to create something that is uniquely our own. It is not enough to walk the paths already laid out by others; we must leave our mark, our signature, for there is no one else who can offer what we have to give. In both realms, however, we must act. To stand still is to miss the opportunity to contribute to the great, unfolding story of our world.

So I say to you, O children of the future, take up your craft with both courage and humility. If you are a scientist, seek the truth, for the questions of today will not wait. But if you are an artist, know that your creation is one that only you can bring to life. There is no other who can compose your symphony, no other who can paint your sky. Do not hesitate, for in both science and art, the world needs your unique contribution. The questions must be asked, the visions must be shared, and the world will be richer for your willingness to step forward.