Thus the practical experts who employ scientific technique, and still more the governments and large firms which employ the practical experts, acquire a quite different temper from that of the men of science : a temper full of a sense of limitless power, of arrogant certainty, and of pleasure in manipulation even of human material. This is the very reverse of the scientific temper, but it cannot be denied that science has helped to promote it.
Source: Religion and Science, 1935, by Bertrand Russell
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The pursuit of science is a quest for truth, open to all; however, without the requisite ability and training, it cannot become a lifelong vocation. In contrast, scientific technology can be utilized even without the talent for invention or discovery. Indeed, when coupled with political or economic power, it can yield enormous influence. For example, high-ranking officials in governments or large corporations who employ scientists and engineers may exercise significant power in the world, even if they themselves possess no specialized knowledge.
Currently, Donald Trump, who is serving his second term as President of the United States, continues to wield immense global influence through America's military and economic power, despite having limited scientific ability. Of course, if he were to lose his position due to a scandal or some other reason, he could quickly lose both his authority and his influence. However, the reality remains that, for many countries, he is likely to continue representing the United States for several more years.
As suggested in "Today's Words of Russell," it seems inevitable that many political leaders come to exhibit a temperament quite different from that of scientists -- a temperament characterized by a sense of unlimited power, arrogant certainty, and even a sense of pleasure in manipulating human resources.
Given its very nature, science is neutral. Yet, as Russell points out, it has nonetheless contributed to the encouragement of such a temperament -- an observation that remains highly thought-provoking even today.
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