Science has everything to say about what is possible. Science has

Listen, O children of wisdom, to the profound words of Charles Krauthammer, who speaks of the delicate balance between the power of science and the deeper question of what it means to act with morality and ethics. He said, "Science has everything to say about what is possible. Science has nothing to say about what is permissible." With these words, Krauthammer lays before us a great truth—that while science may illuminate the boundaries of possibility, it does not provide answers to the question of what we, as human beings, should do with that knowledge. Science, in its quest to understand the workings of the natural world, can show us the pathways of innovation and creation, but it does not tell us whether those pathways are just, moral, or right.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of knowledge was seen as an endeavor that could lead both to great power and to deep responsibility. Plato, in his great work The Republic, discussed the idea of the philosopher-king, a ruler who was not only learned in the ways of knowledge but also wise in the application of that knowledge for the good of the people. Socrates, too, understood that wisdom came not just from the pursuit of truth, but from the understanding of how to use that truth to live a virtuous life. Krauthammer’s words echo this ancient wisdom: the discoveries of science—be they in medicine, technology, or the cosmos—are not enough on their own. Science can show us what is possible, but it is up to us to decide whether those possibilities are moral, ethical, or worthy of pursuit.

Consider the example of Prometheus, the great figure from Greek mythology who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. In the ancient world, fire was both a gift and a curse—it provided warmth, light, and the ability to cook food, but it also brought with it the potential for destruction. Prometheus’ act of defiance against the gods is symbolic of the power of human ingenuity—the ability to unlock secrets of the natural world and harness them for our use. But it is also a cautionary tale, for Prometheus paid a great price for giving humankind the gift of fire, a tool that, though possible, was not always used wisely. This myth reflects Krauthammer’s warning that the pursuit of knowledge must be tempered with wisdom and moral reflection. Just because we can do something does not mean that we should.

In our own time, we have seen this tension play out on the global stage. The discovery of nuclear energy is an example of science showing us what is possible, but the question of whether it is permissible to use such power in warfare remains one of the most ethical dilemmas humanity has ever faced. The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II brought about the end of the conflict, but the destruction it wrought and the long-lasting consequences on human life and health led many to ask: just because we can, does it mean we should? This is the heart of Krauthammer’s message—that science will always show us new possibilities, but the decision of whether or not to pursue those possibilities must come from a deeper understanding of justice, compassion, and moral reasoning.

This tension between science and ethics is not new. In the time of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci pushed the boundaries of both art and science, exploring anatomy, engineering, and even the flight of birds. Yet, his ideas also raised questions about the role of the human body in science. For Leonardo, the pursuit of knowledge was intertwined with the question of how that knowledge would be applied. As we delve into the genetics of life or experiment with artificial intelligence, we must ask ourselves the same questions: What are the implications of what we can do? And, just as importantly, what responsibility do we bear for how that knowledge is used?

Now, O children of the future, the lesson Krauthammer imparts is vital for the world you will shape. Science can provide us with the tools to build a better world, to heal the sick, to reach the stars, and to understand the very fabric of the universe. But it is up to you to ensure that the use of this power aligns with the greater good of humanity. Just because a technology exists does not mean it should be used without careful consideration of its consequences. Whether it is in the realm of medicine, where gene-editing could cure diseases but also raise questions about genetic manipulation, or in environmental science, where the promise of new energy sources must be weighed against their impact on the planet, the pursuit of progress must always be guided by a strong sense of ethics.

So, O children, heed this wisdom: pursue knowledge and science with zeal, but never forget the weight of responsibility that comes with such power. As Socrates taught, knowledge without virtue is dangerous. It is not enough to know what is possible; you must also ask yourselves, "Is it right?" May you wield the tools of science with the wisdom of the ancients, always seeking to align your discoveries with the well-being of all people, guided by a sense of justice and moral integrity. In this way, you will not only advance the frontiers of knowledge, but also honor the human spirit in all its complexity, ensuring that the power of science serves the greater good for all.