We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and

"We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology." These piercing words from Carl Sagan shine a light on a profound paradox: our modern world is built upon the towering achievements of science and technology, yet the majority of people remain ignorant of the very principles that sustain their lives. Sagan’s observation is a call to acknowledge how deeply science permeates our world, from the machines that carry us to the stars to the digital devices in our pockets. Yet, despite this dependency, there exists a disconnect between the complexity of science and the public's understanding of it. It is as though we, in our advancement, have allowed technology to elevate us while simultaneously pulling us further away from the knowledge that once defined our human quest for understanding.

In the ancient world, knowledge was not simply a tool; it was a sacred pursuit. Plato and Aristotle believed in the importance of education, and their works formed the cornerstone of philosophy and science. The philosophers of their time saw understanding as the key to wisdom, and they cultivated the idea that truth was to be sought not through blind faith but through inquiry and reason. Their world was one where intellectual pursuit was deeply connected to everyday life—a time when even the ordinary citizen was expected to have an understanding of philosophy, mathematics, and natural science. The Greek philosophers did not separate the practical from the theoretical; for them, all knowledge was part of a grand, interconnected whole that provided meaning to life.

Sagan’s words strike a deep chord because, in the modern era, the relationship between science and society has grown disjointed. We have access to knowledge like never before, yet we have also become more alienated from it. We live in an age where technological advancements—the very things that shape our world—are largely opaque to most people. Take the example of the internet, that invisible web of information that connects billions of people around the world. We use it daily to communicate, to learn, and to entertain ourselves, yet how many understand the science behind it—the way that electrons flow through circuits, how data is encoded and transmitted, or the complexities of algorithms that govern our online interactions? The true power of the internet lies in the invisible work of science and technology, and yet it often remains a mystery to those who rely on it most.

In history, scientific discoveries often arose from the efforts of individuals who were not satisfied with superficial explanations but sought deeper understanding. Isaac Newton, for example, did not simply accept the world as it appeared but asked questions—questions that led to the discovery of the laws of motion and universal gravitation. He sought to explain the force that moved the planets and caused objects to fall. In his time, such inquiries were the work of the few, often those who were privileged enough to devote their lives to study. But even the common person in the ancient world could have understood the importance of such discovery. Now, in the modern age, as we live in a society so dependent on science, few ask the same fundamental questions that drive innovation and progress. The tools that power our world have outpaced the public's ability to comprehend them.

Sagan’s warning resonates not only with science but with society’s relationship to knowledge. We have come to rely so heavily on experts—scientists, engineers, and tech giants—that we no longer feel the need to understand the principles that govern the machines and systems that shape our world. This reliance on others for knowledge can be dangerous, for it breeds ignorance, and in ignorance, we lose the ability to critically engage with the world around us. We no longer question how the technologies that rule our lives operate, or whether their impacts are always beneficial. Sagan’s quote reminds us that in a world increasingly shaped by science, we cannot afford to be passive consumers of knowledge. We must be active participants in the pursuit of understanding, lest we become blind followers of the very tools that shape our lives.

The lesson from Sagan's words is one of engagement and responsibility. Just as the ancient philosophers sought to understand the world not only for personal growth but for the betterment of society, so too must we. We must learn to engage with science, to ask the hard questions, and to understand the systems that govern our world. It is not enough to rely on the experts—we must all, as individuals, understand the forces that shape the world around us. Whether it is climate change, genetic engineering, or the latest technological breakthroughs, we must make science a part of our shared cultural knowledge. Only then can we make informed choices and move forward as a society that is not just relying on innovation but actively participating in the creation of a better, more sustainable future.

In our own lives, let us commit to learning more about the world of science and technology. Read, explore, and question. Seek to understand not just how the devices you use work, but why they work the way they do. Knowledge is not simply the realm of the specialists—it belongs to everyone, and it is only through active participation in the pursuit of knowledge that we can ensure we are not left behind in a world that grows ever more complex. Sagan calls us to return to curiosity, to wonder, and to reclaim our place as active participants in the world of science. Only then can we hope to truly understand the systems that guide our lives and make decisions that reflect the wisdom of both knowledge and foresight.