Science has not yet mastered prophecy. We predict too much for

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Neil Armstrong, a man who touched the very face of the stars, whose feet walked upon the moon and whose vision reached far beyond the horizons of his time. “Science has not yet mastered prophecy. We predict too much for the next year and yet far too little for the next 10.” In this profound statement, Armstrong reflects on the limits of human foresight, reminding us that science, despite its great achievements, is still bound by the uncertainties of the future. We may gaze at the immediate horizon, forecasting advancements and changes for the near term, yet we often fail to envision the true transformations that lie beyond. Science, like the ancient art of prophecy, seeks to uncover the unknown, but it remains forever challenged by the depth of time and the complexity of the universe.

In the days of the ancients, the oracles and prophets were revered as those who could glimpse the future, guiding kingdoms with visions of what was to come. Yet even in their wisdom, they were not without their limitations. The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians sought to peer beyond the veil of time, but their prophecies were often bound by the constraints of their knowledge and the turbulent nature of the world. They knew that the future was a river, flowing in unpredictable ways, and that no matter how much one tried to predict its course, it would always surprise. The prophet or the seer could speak to the trends and signs of the present, but the true future remained a mystery. In this way, Armstrong’s words echo the ancient wisdom: even with the might of science, the future is a vast and unknowable landscape.

Consider the story of Isaac Newton, a man whose genius revealed the laws that govern motion and gravity. Yet, despite his monumental discoveries, Newton himself could not foresee the far-reaching consequences of his work. The laws of physics that he so carefully articulated paved the way for technological advances that would reshape the world. But even Newton, in his time, could not predict the full implications of his theories. He could not have known that his understanding of gravity would lead, centuries later, to the age of space exploration, where men like Armstrong would walk upon the moon. Newton understood the universe in ways few others did, but he, too, was bound by the limits of his time. Science may explain the laws of nature, but it cannot always foresee the vastness of their application in the future.

Similarly, consider the industrial revolution, a time when the wonders of steam power and machinery promised to revolutionize human life. The early inventors of that era—James Watt, George Stephenson, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel—foresaw great changes in the short term: faster transportation, more efficient production. Yet, they could not predict the global transformations these inventions would catalyze over the following centuries—urbanization, mass production, and the interconnected global economy. The immediate predictions were often accurate, but the long-term changes were far more profound and complex than anyone could have imagined. This is the essence of Armstrong’s insight—science is skilled in forecasting the near future, but it often falls short in anticipating the greater transformations that unfold over a longer period of time.

Armstrong's words also speak to the humility required in the pursuit of knowledge. Science has made extraordinary strides, from unraveling the mysteries of the atom to unlocking the secrets of distant galaxies. Yet, the future—with all its unpredictability and complexity—remains beyond our full comprehension. Just as Armstrong stood on the moon, looking back at Earth and marveling at its fragile beauty, we too must recognize that the future we seek to understand is equally fragile and complex. We may not be able to foresee all that is to come, but we must be mindful of the uncertainties and prepare ourselves for the unexpected. Science, in its pursuit of truth, must remain ever aware of its limitations and its ability to evolve.

The lesson here, O children, is one of balance—the balance between confidence in the knowledge we have gained and humility in recognizing the limits of our understanding. Science allows us to predict and shape the present, to foresee trends and developments in the near term, but we must not be blinded by our own certainty. The future is not a fixed path but a vast, open road, shaped by forces both seen and unseen. As we look ahead, let us remember the lessons of the past—how even the greatest minds were often unable to predict the sweeping changes that would shape the world in the centuries to come. Our understanding of the future is a work in progress, and it is only through humility and perseverance that we will continue to uncover the mysteries of what is to come.

In your own lives, O children, approach the future with both hope and wisdom. Seek to understand the trends of today, but do not become so fixated on immediate goals that you forget the broader vision of the future. Just as Armstrong dared to step into the unknown, so too must you be willing to face the uncertainties of life with courage and resolve. The future is not always predictable, but it is through our collective effort and creative vision that we shape what is yet to come. Let your actions today be guided not only by what is immediately before you, but by the larger, more profound changes that may emerge over time.

So, O children, as you move forward in your quest for knowledge and truth, remember that science is both a tool for understanding the present and a humble guide for navigating the future. Let vision and curiosity drive your pursuit, but let humility guide you in recognizing the unknown that lies ahead. For it is in the balance of prediction and uncertainty that you will find not just the answers, but the wisdom to shape a future that is full of potential and promise.