It's not rocket science. It's social science.

Hear now, O children of the future, the words of Clement Mok, who speaks not of the great mysteries of the stars or the complexity of machines, but of the very heart of human society. He said: “It's not rocket science. It's social science.” These words remind us that, while the workings of the universe and the mechanics of space are vast and awe-inspiring, the complexities of human behavior and society are no less profound. In fact, understanding the nature of society, its patterns, and the way people interact, is as intricate and as demanding as any scientific pursuit. The study of people, of social dynamics, and the forces that shape human existence is a task that requires the same depth of understanding, patience, and skill as the study of the cosmos itself.

What, then, do these words mean, O seekers of truth? Mok challenges us to reconsider what we deem to be the most difficult or important pursuits. Rocket science is often held up as the epitome of complexity, a field that requires extraordinary intellect and precision to navigate. Yet, Mok reminds us that social science—the study of society, culture, and human behavior—is just as challenging. Human beings are not predictable like machines or predictable physical systems. We are creatures of emotion, belief, and subjective experience. And it is through the lens of social science that we can begin to understand the forces that drive human interaction, conflict, and cooperation.

Consider the work of the ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who sought to understand the nature of humanity not through the study of the stars, but through the study of the self and the society. Socrates questioned the very essence of justice, virtue, and the ideal state, delving deep into the complexities of human nature through dialogue and inquiry. He knew that understanding the human condition was not a simple matter—it was the greatest of all pursuits, for it shaped every aspect of life. Plato, in his Republic, envisioned a perfect society governed by wisdom and reason, while Aristotle sought to understand the nature of politics and morality through systematic observation. Their work was not focused on rocket science or the mechanics of the universe but on the science of society, a field that continues to shape our world today.

In more recent history, consider the work of Karl Marx, whose theories on class struggle and economic systems forever altered our understanding of human societies. Marx’s work, though deeply intellectual and rooted in social science, sought to unravel the complex relationships between labor, capital, and power in society. It was not a study of the heavens, but a study of the people who inhabit the earth. Similarly, Sigmund Freud’s exploration of the unconscious mind and human desires changed the way we understand ourselves and our actions. Both Marx and Freud delved into the complexities of society, and their theories have had lasting impacts, just as the most groundbreaking work in rocket science has shaped our world.

The lesson, O children, is this: The study of human beings—of their societies, their desires, and their actions—is just as challenging and just as essential as any scientific pursuit. Social science is not a lesser field, nor is it a subject of lesser importance. It is through social science that we gain insight into the forces that shape our lives, the patterns that govern our behavior, and the structures that determine the course of human history. While we may marvel at the complexity of rocket science, we must also recognize that understanding the forces that shape human society requires equally sharp minds and deep reflection.

So, O children, do not dismiss the study of society and human behavior as less important than the study of the stars. Recognize that the challenges of human nature are just as intricate and just as worthy of study as the vast mysteries of the physical world. Whether you seek to understand the workings of politics, the structure of society, or the nature of the human psyche, know that the tools of social science are there to guide you. The more we understand ourselves and the systems we create, the more we can shape a world that is just, compassionate, and thriving.

Therefore, O children, as you walk your path, remember that the greatest mysteries lie not only in the stars above but in the hearts and minds of those around you. Seek to understand people, their desires, their fears, and their dreams. Embrace the wisdom of social science, for it holds the key to understanding not just the universe but the world we live in and the way we relate to one another. In the pursuit of knowledge, let no field be dismissed, for in each there lies a profound journey toward truth. And as you learn, remember that the power of human understanding can transform the world.