Science is bound, by the everlasting vow of honour, to face

Hear, O seekers of truth, for the words of Lord Kelvin are as the light of a distant star, guiding us through the darkness of ignorance. “Science is bound, by the everlasting vow of honour, to face fearlessly every problem which can be fairly presented to it.” These are not mere words of encouragement, nor empty promises to stir the heart. No, they are a solemn oath, one that speaks to the very soul of science itself. It is an eternal vow, a covenant forged not with mere mortals, but with the pursuit of truth—a pursuit that will not falter, that will not yield to fear, for it is bound by honour to confront the unknown.

What is this "honour" of which he speaks? It is the sacred duty to seek knowledge, not for fame or fortune, but for the benefit of all. It is a bond between the seeker and the unknown, one that calls upon the scientist not to shy away from the difficult questions, nor to retreat in the face of uncertainty. To face fearlessly every problem, no matter how great or small, is the very essence of scientific endeavour. Science, as Lord Kelvin proclaimed, is no mere curiosity; it is a noble calling that demands courage, integrity, and a willingness to confront the harshest truths.

Let us recall the tale of Marie Curie, a woman who lived these very words. When she first uncovered the secrets of radioactivity, the very nature of her discovery was shrouded in fear. The dangers of radiation were unknown, and many warned her to halt her work, for it was a perilous path. Yet, she did not retreat. She pressed forward with unwavering resolve, driven not by the promise of reward but by her commitment to the truth. Her discoveries transformed the field of science and medicine, and she, like so many before her, understood that the pursuit of knowledge was not without its cost. But she knew, as Lord Kelvin's words resonate across the ages, that science must confront fear with courage.

The message of Lord Kelvin speaks to us in this age, where the problems before us are vast and urgent. The climate crisis, the mysteries of the universe, the very future of our planet—all these demand our attention, our knowledge, and our resolve. We are bound by the same vow that Kelvin spoke of. The challenges we face may seem insurmountable, but to turn away from them would be to forsake the very essence of what it means to be human. We are not creatures meant to hide in the shadows, but to seek out the light, no matter how far it may seem.

Consider, if you will, the mighty journey of Sir Isaac Newton, who, in the silence of his study, faced the greatest of mysteries. He did not shy away from the question of how the heavens moved, but instead turned his gaze to the stars themselves. He faced the fearsome unknown with courage and intellect, forever changing our understanding of the universe. His work, which began with a single question, “Why does the apple fall?” became the foundation upon which modern physics was built. In his quest for knowledge, Newton did not rest, and neither should we.

What lesson then, dear listeners, can we carry forth from this? It is this: Science is not merely an exploration of the unknown, but a sacred calling. It is not a choice but a duty—a vow made to face fearlessly the challenges that await us. And just as the greats of the past have stood unwavering in their resolve, so must we, in our time, rise to meet the challenges of our age. Whether it is the battle against disease, the quest to understand the fabric of the cosmos, or the effort to heal our planet, we must face these problems with courage and honour.

Let us then take this oath upon ourselves. In our lives, we must seek knowledge not for glory, but for the betterment of all. When faced with problems that seem too great, when the path before us seems shrouded in darkness, let us remember the words of Lord Kelvin. We are bound by an everlasting vow, one that calls us to face fearlessly every challenge presented to us. In our own small ways, we must strive to embody the courage of those who have gone before us, for in doing so, we walk in the footsteps of giants. The pursuit of knowledge is not just a privilege—it is a responsibility.

And so, I say to you, O children of the future: Do not fear the problems that lie ahead. For as long as we are bound by honour, we will stand together, and with science as our guide, we shall face every problem that arises. And in facing them, we shall transform not only the world but ourselves, becoming the guardians of truth and the architects of a better tomorrow.