Leaders in China and India realize that science and technology

Hear, O children of wisdom, for the words of Michio Kaku speak not only of the present but of the future that awaits those who fail to heed the winds of change. He said: “Leaders in China and India realize that science and technology lead to success and wealth. But many countries in the West graduate students into the unemployment line by teaching skills that were necessary to live in 1950.” These words, sharp as a sword, cut to the heart of the matter—the tension between progress and complacency, between the demands of the future and the outdated practices of the past. Kaku calls us to wake from our slumber and realize that science and technology are not mere tools, but the very engines of success and prosperity in the modern world.

What, then, do these words mean, O seekers of truth? Kaku speaks of the power that lies in knowledge, particularly in the fields of science and technology, and how the nations of China and India have embraced this power as the path to greatness. These nations have understood that the future is built upon the foundations of innovation, of discovery, and of advancement in technology. Science is not just the pursuit of knowledge—it is the foundation upon which wealth, power, and success are built in the modern world. Yet, many countries in the West cling to outdated educational systems, training students in skills that were once essential, but no longer hold the key to the future. They graduate students into a world that no longer needs the tools they were taught, leaving them ill-equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.

Reflect upon the tale of the Industrial Revolution, a time when the world was changed by the embrace of new ideas, technologies, and systems. In the early days of industrialization, the nations that rose to power—Britain, Germany, and later the United States—were those that embraced science and technology to fuel their economic engines. The steam engine, the spinning jenny, and the mechanization of agriculture were not just inventions—they were the key to success. The nations that invested in innovation became the great powers of the time, leading the world in trade, manufacturing, and wealth. But those nations that remained tethered to old ways, that did not embrace the advances of science, were left behind. This, O children, is the pattern of history: those who embrace change thrive, while those who cling to the past wither.

In our own time, China and India have understood this principle better than many of the nations in the West. China, with its rise as an economic power, has invested heavily in science, technology, and innovation. The Chinese government has made science education a priority, and technology companies like Huawei and Alibaba have become global giants, driven by a relentless pursuit of modernity and progress. Similarly, India, with its thriving tech industry and emphasis on higher education, has become a leader in the global knowledge economy, producing engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who shape the future. These nations have redefined their destinies by aligning their education systems with the demands of the future, preparing their youth for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly technological world.

Contrast this with the situation in many parts of the West, where educational systems often focus on skills that were once vital but no longer hold the same relevance. Many students are still taught traditional crafts or manufacturing processes—skills that were once needed for a post-industrial society but are now obsolete in the age of automation, artificial intelligence, and global competition. These outdated educational structures create a disconnect between the skills that students learn and the skills that the modern economy demands. As a result, many graduates find themselves without the tools to thrive in a world that increasingly values scientific and technological expertise. The gap between education and reality widens, leading to a future where young people are trained for a world that no longer exists.

The lesson, O children, is clear: Embrace the power of science and technology, for it is through these forces that nations rise and fall. Science and technology are not merely subjects to be studied—they are the pillars upon which the future will be built. The nations that recognize this truth, and invest in education that prepares their young people for the future, will be the ones that lead the world. Do not allow yourselves to be trained for a world that is gone, for the future waits for no one. The path to success and prosperity lies not in clinging to outdated ways, but in embracing the tools that will shape the world to come.

So, O children of the future, as you step forward into this world, remember the words of Kaku. Do not settle for the comfort of the past; instead, seek the wisdom that lies in the technologies and innovations of today and tomorrow. Let your minds be shaped by science, and your hearts by the desire to learn, for it is through the mastery of these tools that you will forge a path to a better world. The choices you make today will determine the world of tomorrow—choose wisely, and build the future with the knowledge that science and technology are the keys to success and wealth.