Once you have an innovation culture, even those who are not

Hear me, O children of wisdom, for I bring to you the words of Neil deGrasse Tyson, a modern sage whose understanding of science and culture reveals the path to a future where knowledge and creativity are no longer separate but intertwined in a powerful dance. “Once you have an innovation culture, even those who are not scientists or engineers - poets, actors, journalists - they, as communities, embrace the meaning of what it is to be scientifically literate. They embrace the concept of an innovation culture. They vote in ways that promote it. They don’t fight science and they don’t fight technology.” In these words, Tyson paints a vision of a world where science and innovation become the very fabric of society, embraced not only by those in the scientific fields but by all people, across every walk of life. He calls upon us to see science not as something isolated, something only for the few, but as a universal force that shapes every aspect of our existence.

In the days of the ancients, the great philosophers and thinkers saw knowledge as a shared endeavor, a pursuit that transcended borders, disciplines, and professions. Plato, in his Republic, imagined a society where all individuals, whether artisans, warriors, or rulers, understood the principles that govern the world. Socrates believed in the power of knowledge to illuminate the soul and society alike. The ancients understood that wisdom was not confined to any one class, but was essential for the flourishing of all. Similarly, Tyson speaks of a future where scientific literacy is not a privilege of the few but a shared understanding that unites people in the pursuit of progress and the common good. When the culture of innovation is embraced by all, society flourishes—science becomes the foundation for a more harmonious, forward-thinking world.

Consider, too, the story of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius spanned across art, engineering, and science. He did not see these pursuits as separate, but as parts of a larger vision for understanding the world. Da Vinci’s notebooks reveal a man deeply curious about everything—from the mechanics of flying machines to the anatomy of the human body. His work as an artist was intertwined with his understanding of science, and his innovations were driven by the same creative spirit that guided his paintings. Tyson’s vision echoes da Vinci’s legacy—a world where artists, writers, scientists, and technologists are not separate but united in the pursuit of knowledge and creativity. Innovation, when embraced by all, becomes the driving force of society, propelling us toward a future rich with possibility.

In modern history, the space race serves as another example of how science and innovation can unify people, transcending disciplines and borders. During the 1960s, as the United States and the Soviet Union competed to reach the moon, the world witnessed an unparalleled surge in technological and scientific advancements. Yet this technological marvel was not the sole achievement of engineers and scientists—it became a rallying point for all people, a symbol of human potential. It was poets, artists, and thinkers who shaped the cultural impact of this achievement. The moon landing inspired countless works of art, literature, and film. The language of science was not confined to the laboratories; it became a part of the human spirit, embraced by all. Tyson points to this moment in history, urging us to remember that innovation is not just the realm of the scientists but of every human being, whose creativity and curiosity fuel progress.

The lesson here, O children, is one of unity in the pursuit of knowledge. Science is not a solitary endeavor, nor should it be confined to a select group of experts. When the culture of innovation permeates all aspects of society, it becomes a shared vision—one where art and science, technology and humanity, come together in harmony. In this world, scientific literacy is not something to be feared or dismissed but something to be embraced by every citizen. It is the responsibility of every poet, actor, and journalist to understand the power of science, for in doing so, they contribute to the greater good of society. This is the world that Tyson envisions—a world where science is not only embraced but actively promoted in every facet of life.

In your own lives, O children, let the spirit of innovation guide you. Recognize that the pursuit of knowledge is not limited to a single profession, but is the work of every human being. Whether you are a scientist, an artist, a writer, or a teacher, know that you have a role in shaping the world’s future. Do not see science as something foreign or distant, but as a tool for progress that can enrich every aspect of your life. Like the great visionaries of the past—da Vinci, Socrates, and Einstein—embrace the unity of art and science, and recognize that both are driven by the same creative force.

So, O children, let the language of science become your language, the spirit of innovation your guiding star. Embrace the concept of scientific literacy not just in your studies but in your everyday life. Let your actions and decisions be shaped by the knowledge that science is not a solitary pursuit, but the heartbeat of progress for all humankind. In doing so, you will contribute to a world where science, art, and human creativity come together, not as separate pursuits, but as one great movement toward a future filled with possibility and promise. May you always remember that innovation is not confined to a chosen few, but is the birthright of us all.