Foreword
The distinctive feature of modern times is that the world, both in its material and in its personal aspects, is in a state of increasingly rapid transition. The time span of important changes has been so much shortened that it becomes ever more difficult to enjoy the illusion of fixed conditions. Almost before our eyes, time-honored beliefs, customs and institutions are dissolving or being so transformed as to leave only the superficial semblance of the earlier state. The marked differences in the rates of change in various fields and phases of life have resulted in serious disharmonies that have made the practical problem of personal conduct and social adjustment increasingly difficult. The era of change, furthermore, is no temporary phase in the history of thought and may be expected to continue at an increasing tempo.
The characteristic changes of modern times,—those that have largely confirmed in the minds of men the idea of progress so wholly lacking in ancient and mediaeval thought,—have risen entirely during the three centuries since the emergence of science. The theme of the present lecture is that since the growth of science has been clearly the true and ultimate source of the creative impulses making for change, and the basis of man's increasing achievements in control, the fundamental need in the world today is for the wide and thorough diffusion of a knowledge of the nature of the revolution that is taking place and of the scientific method and spirit.
The time is ripe for a full realization of this role of science in our civilization and of the major results it has reached, especially those now so clearly demonstrated as to the true relation of man to Nature. Such knowledge must soon be made the basis and guide in planning for social development and government, if we are to avoid ultimate catastrophe. Such procedure would abate many persistent evils that now flow from neglect of this knowledge, such as those resulting from futile efforts made under the perennial illusion that progress depends upon economics and social regulations. The habit of a scientific attitude and approach, in place of emotionalism, among a larger proportion of the people would be the only effective defense against insidious propaganda and falsification and thereby a preventive against the ceaseless repetitions of "the struggle to liberate mankind from the clutches of its most recent liberators, crowd devouring crowd, mass movements marching to Utopia down blind alleys."
R. V. Chamberlin
University of Utah,
February, 1938.
