Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival

Summary of Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival

In the essay Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival, the writer explains why people choose to become scientists even though they earn less than professionals like doctors or lawyers. According to him, scientists are driven by their love for science and the joy of discovery. For them, science is an adventure, and discovery itself is the greatest reward. Scientists enjoy freedom, cooperation, and independence in their work.

The writer shares his personal experience during the Cold War period. In 1960, he was invited to Geneva to discuss the problem of nuclear weapons. Powerful countries wanted to ban nuclear tests but feared secret underground testing. Scientists, including the writer, were asked to solve this problem. Using his knowledge of seismic waves, the writer helped show how underground nuclear explosions could be detected. This experience made him realize that science plays a direct role in saving humankind.

The essay also highlights how scientists contribute to society through inventions and technologies such as antibiotics, electronics, biotechnology, and new energy sources. Science supports human life in many ways.

The writer explains that human civilization is threatened by both natural disasters like earthquakes and environmental crises, and man-made disasters like nuclear weapons and terrorism. He concludes that science is the only hope that can protect humanity from these dangers. Thus, scientific research is presented as the guardian and caretaker of humankind’s survival.

Understanding the Text

a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?
Instead of big money, a scientist gets freedom, independence, and a sense of companionship with other scientists. The joy of discovery and satisfaction from research are the real rewards for a scientist.

b. What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced?
The nuclear powers had agreed to stop testing nuclear weapons. However, the main problem was how to detect secret underground nuclear tests if any country violated the agreement. They did not have a reliable method to identify such tests.

c. In which area did Keilis-Borok’s theoretical knowledge have a direct application?
As a seismologist, Vladimir Keilis-Borok had deep knowledge of seismic waves. This knowledge helped in detecting underground nuclear explosions and distinguishing them from natural earthquakes. His work directly contributed to the survival of humankind.

d. What was the important decision that the politicians took before the Geneva Summit?
Before the Geneva Summit, politicians decided to ban nuclear weapon tests to protect humanity. They believed that stopping nuclear tests would reduce competition among nations and ensure human survival.

e. What are the natural and man-made disasters mentioned by the author?
The natural disasters mentioned include earthquakes, environmental destruction, and social and economic crises. The man-made disasters include nuclear waste radiation, mass violence, war, and terrorism.

Reference to the Context

a. The professional addressed as ‘you’ in the sentence “If you are clever, why are you so poor?” refers to a
iii. scientist

Justification:
Here, the word “you” refers to a scientist. The writer highlights that although scientists are intelligent and skilled, they usually earn less than professionals like doctors, lawyers, or businessmen. This shows that intelligence does not always lead to wealth.

b. The writer says, “I found myself in Geneva.” What does it express?
This line expresses the writer’s surprise. He was suddenly invited to Geneva to attend an important meeting related to nuclear weapons and scientific responsibility.

c. Are the following statements true? Why or why not?

i. Money is more powerful than intellectual resources.
This statement is not true. Money can provide comfort but cannot ensure happiness, care, or responsibility. Intellectual resources help solve real problems of humanity and guide society in the right direction.

ii. Intellectual resources help the survival of humankind.
This statement is true. Human beings survive because of intelligence and scientific knowledge. Science has helped fight diseases, protect against natural disasters, and ensure safety from threats.

iii. Basic research is a way of stalling disasters.
This statement is true. Scientific research helps predict disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Early warnings allow people to move to safe places and reduce loss of life.

d. How does the essayist justify that scientific research is humankind’s survival?

The essayist justifies this by showing how scientific research directly protects human life. His own experience as a seismologist proves that science can detect secret nuclear tests and prevent war. Science has also provided energy sources, medicines, minerals, and protection from terrorism. Scientific research helps predict disasters and saves lives. Therefore, science is the guardian of humankind.

e. What can be the purpose of the essayist using quotations in the essay?
The essayist uses quotations to support his ideas and strengthen his arguments. Quotations help clear misunderstandings about science and scientists. They make the essay more convincing and meaningful for readers.

f. Discuss and illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world.
The writer believes scientists are the most practical people because they create real solutions to real problems. Scientific research has given us antibiotics, electronics, biotechnology, synthetic fibers, transport systems, and medical advances. Science also provides energy, defense against terrorism, and protection from disasters. These contributions prove that scientists play a practical and essential role in human life.

Reference beyond the text

a. Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons. Explain this statement.
Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous and destructive weapons ever created by humans. They cause massive loss of life, unbearable human suffering, and long-lasting radiation effects that cannot be controlled. Even though some powerful nations have agreed to stop nuclear testing, competition for power among countries still exists. Nations like the former Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom possess enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world many times over. The destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki reminds people of the terrible reality of nuclear war. At any time, global politics can become unstable, and irresponsible leaders may misuse nuclear power. Therefore, people all over the world live under constant fear of total destruction caused by nuclear weapons.

b. The essayist says ‘While there is science, there is hope of survival and wellbeing for all of us.’ Explain it.
The essayist believes that science is the greatest protector of humankind. Science helps nations monitor nuclear activities and prevent secret nuclear tests. Scientists can identify the difference between natural earthquakes and nuclear explosions, which helps maintain peace. Science has also given humans new sources of energy, medicines, mineral resources, and protection from terrorism. It helps in predicting natural disasters and protecting the environment. In today’s world, both natural and man-made disasters threaten human life, and money alone cannot solve these problems. Only scientific knowledge and research can provide solutions. Therefore, as long as science exists, there is hope for human survival and well-being.

c. Is science a blessing or a curse? Write an essay on it.

Science – A Blessing or a Curse

Science is one of the greatest achievements of human beings. It has changed the way people live, work, and think. Through science, humans have gained comfort, power, and control over nature. It has made life easier, faster, and more secure. However, science is not a complete blessing because its misuse has also created serious problems. Therefore, science can be both a blessing and a curse, but its benefits are greater than its harms.

Science has improved daily life in many ways. Electricity, one of the greatest gifts of science, has transformed human living. With a single switch, houses are filled with light, fans provide fresh air, and electrical appliances begin to work. Machines like refrigerators, washing machines, heaters, ovens, and computers save time and reduce physical effort. Science has also improved transportation and communication. Trains, aeroplanes, mobile phones, and the internet have made the world smaller and connected people across long distances.

Medical science is another great blessing. Scientific research has reduced infant mortality and increased the average life span of human beings. Many deadly diseases like cholera, smallpox, and tuberculosis can now be cured. Modern surgery and medicines have saved countless lives. Vaccines protect people from dangerous diseases, and advanced medical equipment helps doctors diagnose illnesses early. Science has reduced pain and suffering and improved the quality of human life.

Science has also helped in the development of agriculture and industry. New farming methods, improved seeds, fertilizers, and machines have increased food production. Industries use scientific technology to produce goods quickly and efficiently. This has helped meet the needs of a growing population. Science has also contributed to education and research, allowing humans to explore space, oceans, and the mysteries of nature.

However, science also has negative effects when misused. The invention of machines has caused unemployment as fewer workers are needed to perform tasks. Industrialization has led to pollution and environmental damage. The most dangerous misuse of science is the creation of weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear bombs. These weapons threaten world peace and the survival of humanity. Wars and violence caused by scientific weapons have brought great destruction and fear.

Despite these dangers, science itself is not to blame. It is humans who decide how to use it. Science was created to improve life, not to destroy it. Therefore, humans must use science wisely and responsibly. Scientific inventions should be used for peace, development, and the welfare of mankind.

In conclusion, science is a powerful tool. When used properly, it is a great blessing that improves life and protects humanity. When misused, it becomes a curse that threatens the world. Thus, science should always be guided by human values, responsibility, and wisdom.