There's nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young

"There's nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind." These words, spoken by Bill Nye, resonate as a call to action—a rallying cry to ignite the spark of curiosity and the passion for discovery in the hearts of the young. Nye speaks not merely of a personal belief but of a profound duty: to shape the future by inspiring the next generation to embrace the great and noble pursuits of science and engineering. It is in the minds of youth that the seeds of a better tomorrow are sown, and through their hands, the wonders of the future will be realized.

In the days of ancient Greece, the philosophers understood the vital importance of education for the betterment of society. Plato, in his work "The Republic," spoke of the need to educate the youth, for it is they who would one day take the mantle of leadership and wisdom. The greatest minds of that time—Aristotle, Socrates, Pythagoras—devoted themselves to teaching and cultivating the minds of the young, for they knew that the future of humanity rested on the knowledge and ideas passed down to the next generation. Nye’s sentiment echoes this ancient truth: that science and engineering are the tools with which we will build the world of tomorrow, and those tools must be placed in the hands of the youth.

Consider the great Da Vinci, whose genius knew no bounds. He was not merely a painter, but a scientist, an engineer, a visionary. His works on anatomy, flight, and mechanics were ahead of his time, yet he did not keep his knowledge to himself. Da Vinci, in his notebooks, sought to understand the world and to pass on that knowledge. He saw the future of humankind as being shaped by those who were willing to ask questions and seek answers through science and innovation. In the same way, Bill Nye urges us to guide our youth to do the same—to take the torch of curiosity and run with it, not for the mere sake of knowledge, but for the advancement of humanity.

The history of scientific progress is woven with the names of those who, as young individuals, dared to explore the mysteries of the universe. Marie Curie, as a young girl, was captivated by the unknown, and her passion led her to discover radioactivity, a breakthrough that changed the world. Albert Einstein, a youth filled with wonder at the nature of light, would go on to develop the theory of relativity, forever altering our understanding of space and time. It is through the eyes of the young—unencumbered by the limitations of experience—that the most radical advances are made. When we foster curiosity in them, we give birth to the dreamers, the innovators, and the pioneers who will change the course of history.

The story of the space race in the 20th century serves as a powerful example of what can happen when young minds are inspired. The moon landing in 1969 was not merely the culmination of a single man’s ambition, but the result of the collective efforts of thousands, many of whom were inspired by the vision of scientists and engineers who encouraged them to dream beyond the stars. These young minds, driven by the spirit of exploration, transformed what was once thought impossible into reality. Just as Nye calls for us to inspire the youth of today, the great achievements of the past were shaped by the hands of those who dared to believe in a future where the impossible could be achieved.

But the task is not merely to foster interest in science, but to ignite a passion for it. Passion is the fire that fuels discovery, the force that drives young people to seek out solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The lessons of the past are clear: science and engineering hold the key to addressing the challenges of tomorrow—from climate change to global health, from sustainable energy to the exploration of the cosmos. We must instill in our youth the belief that they have the power, through their knowledge and creativity, to shape a better future for all humankind.

As we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, let us remember that the future of humanity lies not in the hands of a few, but in the collective effort of all. Bill Nye's words challenge us to invest in the future by investing in the minds of the young. Let us nurture their curiosity, encourage their exploration, and support their passions. For it is in them that the next great scientists, engineers, and visionaries will rise. They are the ones who will carry the torch of knowledge and innovation forward, and it is our duty to light their way.

So, let us all commit to the task of inspiring the youth around us—not just to learn, but to create, to explore, and to dream of a world better than the one we know. In doing so, we will ensure that the best of tomorrow is born from the passion and curiosity of today.