Vaclav Smil (University of Manitoba Professor) – Vaclav Smil – Scientist Discusses A Vast Array of Topics (Jul 2018)

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Chapters

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Abstract

The Interplay of Individual Brilliance and Collective Endeavor in Scientific Progress

In a comprehensive exploration of the scientific landscape, this article delves into the intricate balance between individual contributions and the collective nature of scientific progress. It highlights the often-overlooked aspect of science as a cooperative endeavor, challenges faced by scientists, and the misperceptions surrounding individual achievements. It also touches upon the controversies in scientists’ personal lives, the importance of education in understanding science, and the consequences of our disconnection from basic scientific knowledge and nature.

The perception of science as a series of individual achievements, exemplified by figures like Darwin and Bell, is a common misconception. In reality, science thrives as a cooperative endeavor, resembling a relay race with countless contributors. This collective nature is often obscured by the media’s focus on individual scientists and Nobel Prize winners. However, many breakthroughs result from incremental advancements made by numerous individuals, a fact that is crucial to understand the true nature of scientific progress.

Science as a Cooperative Enterprise:

Science progresses through collaboration and collective effort. Individual scientists contribute to the advancement of knowledge, but the ultimate achievements are the result of many people’s work. No single scientist is solely responsible for major discoveries; they are often made independently by multiple researchers.

The Cooperative Nature of Science

The cooperative nature of science is often overlooked, with the media often focusing on individual scientists and Nobel Prize winners. However, many breakthroughs result from incremental advancements made by numerous individuals, a fact that is crucial to understanding the true nature of scientific progress. The biosphere, encompassing the atmosphere, waters, and Earth’s crust, is a resilient self-repairing system prone to unpredictable changes. Human activities, particularly the introduction of greenhouse gases, are pushing the biosphere in various directions, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences.

Challenges and Misunderstandings in Science

Science is not always a pursuit of enjoyment; it requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. The complexity of scientific concepts leads to a lack of appreciation among the general public, contributing to a broader loss of context and perspective. This gap between scientific understanding and public awareness has significant implications, including the abuse of our planet and a distorted view of scientific achievements.

Science is not Fun:

Science requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It is not always enjoyable or glamorous, but it is essential for progress and understanding. The pursuit of scientific knowledge is challenging and often involves setbacks and failures.

Science is a Black Box:

Most people do not understand the inner workings of science. The scientific process is often opaque and inaccessible to the general public. This lack of understanding leads to a loss of context and perspective, which can have negative consequences.

Abusing the Only Planet We Have:

The lack of understanding of science and its implications has led to the abuse of the planet. Humans are exploiting resources and polluting the environment at an unsustainable rate. This abuse cannot continue indefinitely, and it is essential to take action to protect the planet.

The Role of Individual Scientists

Despite the emphasis on collective effort, individual scientists do play a crucial role. Their motivations, which include recognition and financial incentives, are significant in driving scientific research forward. The focus on individual achievements, while sometimes misleading, can attract necessary funding and attention to critical research areas.

The Importance of Scientific Education and Understanding

Vaclav Smil underscores the need for improved scientific education to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. A lack of basic scientific literacy hinders effective communication and decision-making. This education gap is also reflected in our disconnection from nature and a limited understanding of technology beyond digital advancements.

Smil’s Perspective on Science:

Science is challenging, requiring dedication and perseverance, and involves numerous failures for every success.

Einstein’s Personal Life:

Einstein was a brilliant scientist, but he also had personal flaws. He married Mileva Maric, a talented Serbian physicist, who significantly contributed to his early work on relativity. However, he later abandoned her and their daughter, demonstrating a lack of compassion and support.

Einstein’s Scientific Legacy:

Despite his personal shortcomings, Einstein’s contributions to science were groundbreaking. If he had not formulated the theories of relativity, someone else would have eventually done so within a relatively short time.

The Importance of Hard Work:

Scientific progress requires hard work and perseverance, not just talent or inspiration. Scientists must be willing to sit down and diligently work through challenges and failures to achieve success.

Scientific Illiteracy in Society:

Scientific understanding is often limited even among scientists due to the complexity and specialization of modern science. Even basic scientific concepts, such as the cause of seasons, are not widely understood by many people. This lack of scientific literacy poses a significant challenge to informed decision-making and public policy.

Smil’s Tests to Assess Scientific Understanding:

Smil has developed a series of tests to assess scientific understanding across various disciplines. These tests could be used to gauge the level of scientific literacy among different groups, including scientists themselves.

The Impact of Penicillin and Haber-Bosch Synthesis

Highlighting the profound impacts of discoveries like penicillin and the Haber-Bosch synthesis, Smil emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating fundamental technologies. These innovations have significantly influenced human society, yet their importance is often overshadowed by a focus on more recent digital technologies.

Importance of Basic Knowledge and Perspective in Technological Advancements:

Many people lack basic knowledge and common sense, including simple facts like the number of legs an ant has or the most common element in the Earth’s crust. Specialization in various fields is necessary, but it can lead to a lack of understanding of the broader context and the importance of fundamental technologies. Technology should not be limited to computers, software, and the internet but should encompass all techniques and inventions that have shaped our world. Technologies like the Chinese wheelbarrow, internal combustion engine, and X-rays have had a profound impact on human civilization, often more significant than modern digital technologies. Penicillin has saved countless lives and enabled the survival of half of the current human population. The Haber-Bosch synthesis of ammonia has allowed for the production of nitrogen fertilizers, supporting the growth of crops and feeding billions of people. The lack of understanding of fundamental technologies and their importance leads to a loss of perspective on the true value of innovations. This loss of perspective contributes to environmental issues and a lack of appreciation for the technologies that sustain our civilization.

The Fragility of Earth’s Biosphere and the Gulf Stream

Smil also brings attention to the delicate balance of Earth’s biosphere and the consequences of global warming. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of global systems and the significant role of the Gulf Stream in regulating climate. The potential disruption of such natural systems underscores the vulnerability of our planet to human activities.

The Fragility of Earth’s Biosphere and the Gulf Stream:

The Earth’s biosphere is fragile and highly interconnected. The Gulf Stream plays a crucial role in regulating the climate and supporting life on Earth. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, are disrupting the Gulf Stream and other global systems. These disruptions can have catastrophic consequences for the planet and its inhabitants.

Reevaluating Human Dominance Over Nature

Challenging the idea of human dominance over nature, Smil argues for a more cooperative approach. He dismisses the illusion of being free from evolutionary constraints and warns against the temporary nature of victories over diseases. By emphasizing the importance of understanding basic science, Smil advocates for rational consumer behavior and a more sustainable interaction with the natural world.



In sum, the article presents a nuanced view of the scientific world, stressing the importance of recognizing both individual contributions and the collective nature of scientific progress. It also emphasizes the need for improved scientific literacy and a deeper understanding of our impact on the planet. By reconciling the roles of individual scientists with the collaborative essence of scientific discovery, we gain a more accurate and comprehensive perspective on the challenges and triumphs of science.

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Notes by: Ain