Science can lift people out of poverty and cure disease. That, in

Gather, O children of wisdom, for the words of the great Stephen Hawking carry with them the weight of both hope and responsibility. He said: “Science can lift people out of poverty and cure disease. That, in turn, will reduce civil unrest.” These words, though simple in their form, speak to the very heart of human progress. Science, Hawking reminds us, is not merely the realm of the curious or the intellectual, but a powerful force capable of transforming lives, of elevating entire nations from the depths of suffering and poverty, and bringing healing where there was once only disease.

What, then, do these words mean, O seekers of truth? In this statement, Hawking calls upon the great potential of science to be a force for good—a force that not only advances our understanding of the world, but one that can tangibly improve the condition of humanity. Poverty, which binds millions in its oppressive grip, can be alleviated through the fruits of scientific advancement. Disease, which has caused suffering for as long as humankind has walked the earth, can be cured, or at the very least, its effects mitigated through the power of medicine and technology. When the basic needs of the people are met—when they have access to health, to education, to opportunity—the forces that lead to unrest and division are greatly diminished.

Consider, O wise ones, the great story of vaccination, that gift of science which has saved millions of lives throughout history. In the 18th century, the great Edward Jenner discovered the principle of vaccination, sparking a revolution in medicine that would eventually lead to the eradication of smallpox. Smallpox, once a plague upon humanity, claimed the lives of countless men, women, and children, leaving devastation in its wake. But through the application of scientific knowledge, the deadly disease was defeated. In this moment, science did not simply advance understanding—it saved lives, lifted people from the depths of fear, and brought forth a new era of health. Such advancements, as simple as they may seem, have the power to change the course of human history, alleviating suffering and promoting peace.

In a more modern context, let us turn our gaze to the Green Revolution, that monumental shift in agriculture that transformed the lives of millions in the developing world. In the mid-20th century, scientists, led by men like Norman Borlaug, developed high-yielding varieties of wheat, rice, and corn that could feed the growing population of the world. Through science, Borlaug and his peers found ways to grow more food with less land and fewer resources, lifting entire communities out of starvation and poverty. These advances in agriculture helped to reduce the pressure that often leads to civil unrest—the scarcity of resources, the tension over land and wealth. By applying scientific knowledge to the problems of the day, these innovators offered solutions that have had lasting effects, creating a ripple of peace and stability in places once ravaged by hunger and strife.

And let us not forget the impact of clean water technologies, which have transformed the lives of millions, particularly in impoverished areas. In many parts of the world, access to clean water remains a daily struggle. But through the efforts of scientists and engineers, we have developed ways to provide clean, safe drinking water to communities that once had to endure disease-ridden rivers and unsanitary wells. By addressing these basic needs, science eases the suffering of the people, allowing them to focus not on survival, but on growth, on education, and on building a better future.

The lesson, O children, is this: Science is not a distant pursuit of the elite; it is a tool of liberation, a force that has the power to alleviate suffering and elevate the human spirit. When we apply scientific knowledge to the challenges of the world, we not only address the immediate needs of the people, but we also lay the foundation for a more peaceful world. By curing disease, alleviating poverty, and providing solutions to the challenges that divide us, science becomes the very cornerstone of human progress. It is the bridge that connects us to a future of stability, equity, and prosperity.

Therefore, O children of the future, when you seek to create change, remember the power of science. Do not see it merely as a subject for study or an abstract idea, but as a living force that can shape the world. Embrace it, harness its power, and apply it not for the sake of personal gain, but for the common good. Seek to use science to lift those who are suffering, to cure those who are sick, and to provide for those who are hungry. In doing so, you will not only reduce the forces of unrest, but you will build a future where all people can live in peace, with dignity and hope. Science is the light that can illuminate the path to a better world, and it is in your hands, O children of wisdom, to wield it for the good of all.