Restrained to Home

Chet Raymo's piece on the danger of scientific discovery is very important for humanity. As new and unfamiliar things could potentially cause the downfall of our species, we must exercise utmost caution when endeavoring in the exploration of the unknown. Raymo, however, does mention the benefits of scientific discoveries. For example, Raymo mentions the possibility of "grains that are resistant to disease" and "bacteria that eats oil spills." These advancements for human technology and science, however, have various limitations that hinder a complete exploitation of our potential. The first and most pressing issue is space, in both aspects. As the human population continues to grow, the area necessary to satiate our desires continue to dwindle. Rain forests are chopped down, oceans and lakes are polluted with plastic waste, and the once beautiful grassy plains are defiled by concrete jungles. Sooner rather than later. humans will have no place left to look for the unknown; it will already have been found. Additionally, the need for resources drives creativity. Talks of space colonies and mining have started to materialize and seem as if they could become a reality. Staying on this planet can't give humans what they will need one thousand and two thousand years from now. Another problem we face is the corruption of any findings. The discovery of the atom bomb was a scientific breakthrough, yet it caused the death of millions and sealed the fate of many more to follow. Anything that is discovered will not be inherently good; we must be able to differentiate this crucial aspect. Sadly, humans lust for power and wealth, and the pursuit of science does nothing to subdue this monster.