For Love of Science

Last week I travelled north to the city of Auckland. The youngest of my four grandchildren, Imogen, had her degree Master Of Marine Marine Conservation With First Class Honours conferred. It was exciting to be part of a large public gathering again. Many similar events have been cancelled over the past two years due to the pandemic.

Like Imogen, her mother and I gained our master’s degrees at the University of Auckland. However, unlike Imogen, our degrees were conferred by the Arts Faculty. Imogen, on the other hand, explored various courses in her undergrad years and was capped with conjoint degrees in science and the arts. She consciously chose to pursue higher learning in science as she feels ‘called’ to work in a field which seeks to save and protect the earth’s vast treasure of natural fauna and flora. Her interest in marine biology springs from a belief that our oceans are the key to restoring a healthy basis for all life on earth.

I returned to my home in Matamata and reflected on the importance of scientific discoveries throughout human history. Taking a psycho-spiritual approach, I marvelled how evolution is bringing forth millions of fine minds around the globe at the very time humankind needs to make dramatic changes if we wish to survive. I thought about my theoretical model, The Pyramid of Wisdom. Which of the four pathways – Love, Truth, Peace, or Warriorship – would most likely influence career choices of science graduates in the twenty-first century? I concluded that those destined to be future leaders and innovators would almost certainly benefit from understandings on all four pathways. These are the special scientists who will collaborate with thinkers and dreamers from other fields of human endeavour. For I believe it will require multi-disciplinary approaches to resolve the many problems currently facing us.

And so I salute all who possess an inherent love of science. My advice is to put aside your egos when participating in joint projects with others. Use your inherited intellectual gifts to create a better future for everyone. May your passion for truth keep you entranced. And may your search for love bring you happiness and peace.

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