The Ultimate Ultimatum

A glimpse of hope; a shimmer of eternal joy; a moment of extreme achievement. From pasteurization to the polio vaccine, science has been the driving force behind change. Longer, better lives are possible due to the great efforts of researchers to develop the world of tomorrow- a feeling of mysteriousness, fascination, and, of course, celebration. However, that time of celebration has transitioned throughout all this advancement to a time of reflection where we question the legitimate application of these mechanisms. When the thrill of discovery overcomes people, the fear of the implications soon follows. As Chet Raymo warned, "the unexamined quest for knowledge is hemmed with peril." Based on the past and the findings of the present, Raymo's words resonates at full blast.  

Where should we begin? Well, the x-ray probably offers the clearest example, so let's start there. After its introduction in 1895, this tool has helped medical professionals in numerous ways, but the discovery was predictably yet unpredictably "hemmed with peril". As time as shown, x-rays can cause severe problems. For example, if a pregnant women week after week got an x-ray performed, eventually, the high-dose radiation would take its toll. I could go on with the examples as Raymo did, but I think you understand the point by now. Whether scientists believe there will be future issues or not, society must learn from past mistakes and proceed with caution. 

 After all, our childlike fascination with new things- like the latest iPhone or released song- has no room in science. Unlike popular trends, the realm of science is in the business of life and death. One mistake and society could feel the effects for generations. Thus, because the risks are high so too must the reservations. The world is rapidly advancing with autonomous vehicles and genetic engineering and many more promising developments. Part of us should be proud in our success, but part of us should also be a little skeptical as those mysterious and spectacular innovations might become the "instruments of death." In the end, I like to remind myself, as Ezra Cramer first foretold in the Bourne Ultimatum, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst".