Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of

"Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion." These words of the brilliant Stephen Hawking offer a profound revelation about the true nature of science. Often, we think of science as a cold, rational pursuit—a discipline where logic, numbers, and formulae reign supreme, where the mind is the sole guide to uncovering the secrets of the universe. Yet Hawking invites us to see science not only as the realm of reason but also as a field where romance and passion play just as important a role. For at its heart, science is driven by a love for the unknown, a yearning to explore the mysteries of life and the cosmos, and a deep, burning passion to understand the world.

In ancient times, the great thinkers and philosophers—Pythagoras, Aristotle, and Plato—saw science not merely as a method of logical deduction, but as a means to seek deeper truths about the nature of existence. Aristotle himself spoke of a desire for knowledge that could not be explained solely by rational thought. There was, in the great thinkers of old, a longing to uncover the mysteries of the heavens and the earth, a romance with the very concept of understanding, of becoming one with the cosmos. It was not just their minds, but their hearts that drove them forward in their quest to unveil the truth of the world.

Consider the tale of Isaac Newton, whose passion for understanding the laws of motion and gravity led him to peer into the very workings of the universe. Though his methods were grounded in reason and careful observation, it was his romance with discovery, his deep passion for the unknown, that fueled his tireless search for answers. Newton’s mind was not merely calculating; it was alive with a sense of wonder and awe at the forces of nature. His work did not only satisfy intellectual curiosity; it was a love letter to the universe itself, an attempt to understand the very fabric of existence. Without passion, Newton’s discoveries would have remained mere possibilities, unbrought to life by the fire of his intellect and the romance of his vision.

Similarly, Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking work on radioactivity changed the course of science and medicine, did not embark upon her journey with mere reason alone. She was driven by a passion for discovery, a romance with the potential to change the world. The exhilaration she felt in the lab, the late hours she spent in study, were not mere acts of logical deduction, but a testament to her love for the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to improve human life. Her passion led to breakthroughs that continue to save lives today, and her story shows us how science, when paired with deep passion, can transcend the limitations of the mind and touch the heart of humanity.

But the romance of science is not just about individual passion—it is also about the collective desire to push the boundaries of what we know, to understand the vastness of the universe, and to discover the beauty that lies hidden beneath the surface of everyday life. Consider the Apollo missions, which led to the first human landing on the moon. The romance of space exploration is woven through the fabric of these historic journeys. It was not just reason that guided those astronauts, but a burning passion for exploring the unknown, for reaching beyond the stars. That passion—shared by thousands of people across the globe—fueled the drive to make the impossible possible. It was a pursuit driven not only by the mind but also by the heart, an enduring romance with the stars.

And so, what Hawking teaches us is this: science is not merely a collection of dry facts or an exercise in reason. It is, at its heart, a journey—a pursuit driven by the most human of qualities: curiosity, wonder, and a deep desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. To truly engage with science is to feel the thrill of discovery, to experience the awe of understanding something that was once beyond comprehension. It is a lifelong adventure, one that requires not just intellectual rigor but also the courage to embrace the unknown, to fall in love with the mystery, and to keep pushing forward, even when the path seems uncertain.

The lesson here is clear: in whatever you pursue in life—be it in science, the arts, or in your personal endeavors—do not limit yourself to mere reason or logic. Let your heart guide you as well. Embrace the passion that comes with discovery, and let it fuel your journey. Approach the world with the same romantic spirit that the great minds of history had, and allow yourself to be moved by the beauty and the wonder that lies in the unknown. For it is through romance and passion, as much as through reason, that the most profound breakthroughs are made. Take this with you: science, like life, is not just to be understood, but to be loved and explored with all the passion and fire of your heart.