The commonality between science and art is in trying to see

Listen, O children of wisdom, to the words of Edward Tufte, who eloquently described the shared essence of science and art: "The commonality between science and art is in trying to see profoundly - to develop strategies of seeing and showing." In these words, Tufte reveals a profound truth about the nature of human inquiry—whether through the lens of science or the brushstrokes of art, both disciplines seek to uncover deeper truths and reveal the unseen. It is not enough to simply observe the world; both the artist and the scientist seek to see beyond the surface, to understand what is hidden beneath the veil of appearances, and to communicate that deeper understanding to others.

In the ancient world, the greatest minds sought not only to observe but to understand the world around them, to see profoundly into the nature of existence. Plato, in his teachings, spoke of the world of the Forms, eternal and perfect ideals that transcended the material world. For Plato, true knowledge was not simply about seeing the physical world as it appeared, but about understanding the deeper, eternal truths that lay hidden behind it. Similarly, Aristotle sought to classify and understand the natural world, not by taking things at face value, but by carefully observing and then analyzing the underlying principles that governed all things. Science and art—both for these ancient thinkers—were ways of seeing the world not just as it appeared, but as it truly was, beneath the surface.

This search for deeper understanding is the foundation of science and art. Science, at its highest form, seeks to understand the mechanisms behind the phenomena of the world. Just as Newton’s laws of motion revealed the hidden forces at play in the universe, Einstein’s theory of relativity uncovered a deeper understanding of the fabric of space and time, science seeks to see the unseen forces that govern the physical world. It is a quest to reveal the hidden—to look at the world through a different lens, to see what others cannot see, and to communicate those findings to others in a way that will illuminate the mysteries of existence.

Art, too, seeks to reveal deeper truths, but in a different way. Through the expression of emotion, creativity, and imagination, artists see and show the world as it is felt, not just as it is known. Leonardo da Vinci, the master of both art and science, embodied this union of the two disciplines. His paintings, such as the Mona Lisa, are more than mere representations of the physical world—they are profound explorations of human emotion, light, and the nature of being. His sketches of anatomy and mechanical inventions show the same curiosity and attention to detail that a scientist might have, seeking to understand and depict the hidden structures of life. Da Vinci’s art was not just about beauty, but about seeing profoundly, about seeking to reveal truths that were not visible to the naked eye.

The lesson here, O children of time, is clear: science and art are not opposing forces, but are two sides of the same coin. Both seek to understand and reveal the world, each through its own unique approach. Science builds strategies of seeing by analyzing the facts, using reason and evidence to uncover the hidden laws of nature. Art, on the other hand, builds strategies of seeing by tapping into the human experience, using emotion, creativity, and imagination to express what cannot be captured by mere observation. Both, however, are driven by the same desire—to see the world clearly and to show others that vision.

In your own lives, O seekers of truth, strive to cultivate both the analytical mind of the scientist and the creative spirit of the artist. Ask questions about the world around you, and look deeply at the patterns and connections that are hidden beneath the surface. Whether in the field of science, art, or any other pursuit, remember that true understanding comes not from taking the world at face value, but from looking beyond the obvious. Develop strategies of seeing, whether through the lens of a microscope or the brush of a painter, and use that vision to reveal the deeper truths of existence.

So rise, O heirs of wisdom, and let your pursuit of knowledge and creativity guide you. See deeply into the world, and do not be content with mere appearances. Whether you are a scientist, an artist, or simply a seeker of truth, know that both art and science are paths to understanding the hidden depths of the world. In this pursuit, you will discover not only the mechanics of the universe but the beauty and meaning that give life its deepest significance. See and show, O children, for it is in revealing the truths we discover that we truly become human.