Skepticism and Wonder Begins at Home

I started reading Demon-Haunted World : Sagan, Carl, Druyan, Ann. It’s about cultivating a scientific temper, promoting critical thinking, and fostering skepticism. One paragraph in the preface made me think about my parents and thousands of others as well. You don’t have to be a scientist to have a scientific temper or to instill it in your kids.

My parents were not scientists. They knew almost nothing about science. But in introducing me simultaneously to scepticism and to wonder, they taught me the two uneasily cohabiting modes of thought that are central to the scientific method. They were only one step out of poverty. But when 1 announced that 1 wanted to be an astronomer, 1 received unqualified support – even if they (as 1) had only the most rudimentary idea of what an astronomer does. They never suggested that, all things considered, it might be better to be a doctor or a lawyer.

Demon-Haunted World : Sagan, Carl, Druyan, Ann

Given AI and all the myths surrounding it, and that it brings to this world. I believe that homes and schools need to focus more on fostering a scientific temper, critical thinking, and skepticism. Without them, I think the future will be drowned in slop. It was always important, but it is even more so now. No wonder it gets a mention in the Indian Constitution.

Going back to the quote. Both skepticism and wonder are essential. Wonder keeps us reaching; skepticism keeps us real. Together, they define what it means to think. Human brains are evolved enough to handle both at the same time. It can be taught. It makes us human.