During my law studies, a captivating idea took root in my mind: exploring the profound impact of scientific influences on early childhood development. Reflecting on my own experiences, it became apparent that our formative years can shape our passions and aspirations in adulthood. While some might dismiss my personal account as anecdotal, it is important to acknowledge the broader relevance of shared experiences. Rather than presenting a comprehensive theory, this narrative aims to offer thought-provoking insights and propositions within the framework of social analysis. By sharing these reflections, I hope to inspire parents, educators, and social workers alike, igniting their own imaginations and fostering a scientifically literate future generation.
I can confidently say that my childhood was filled with remarkable freedom to explore and discover the world around me. With minimal parental control, I had the opportunity to develop a deep curiosity and scientific literacy from an early age. I eagerly observed my surroundings and conducted numerous experiments to enhance my understanding of nature. Moreover, my family background played a pivotal role in shaping my scientific outlook. Growing up with a mother who was an analytical chemist, a father who was a master industrial electrician, an uncle who was an electronics technician, and a grandfather who was a skilled locksmith and carpenter, I was constantly exposed to a world of tools, technical parts, and hands-on creativity. Following my passion, I pursued studies in electrical engineering during my secondary education, and driven by the experiences from the Yugoslav war, subsequently ventured into the field of law. Though some may find this shift unexpected, I firmly believe that my diverse background and broad range of experiences only enriched my perspectives and understanding of how we as a species function.
Ever since I was surrounded by my inspiring environment, I couldn’t help but let my curiosity wander and delve into intriguing inquiries about the intricate relationship between nature and human influence. It sparked a particular question within me: Could it be conceivable to construct a power plant that generates an incredible amount of energy without a trace of pollution, yet remains robust enough to efficiently power a bustling metropolis? My earnest contemplation was fueled by my formative years spent in a tranquil village nestled near a coal-fired power plant. Witnessing firsthand the deleterious effects of this industrial behemoth on the environment, from the ashy snowfall to the compromised air quality and the devastating impact on flora and fauna, a deep yearning for an idyllic future for our beloved habitat arose within me. Despite grappling with the complexity of these inquiries, especially during my tender age (prior to my eighth birthday), where my cognitive faculties were still developing, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of knowledge. As I delved deeper into the realms of natural sciences, a multitude of thought-provoking questions, with immense societal relevance, continued to surface. It became abundantly clear that the trajectory of our social progress is intricately interwoven with our understanding of nature and the relentless advancement of technology. In essence, our social fabric, belief systems, and cultural ideologies are inextricably linked to the exploration and comprehension of the world around us.
For instance, in order to truly comprehend the nuances of criminal law concepts such as negligence and intent, it is crucial to delve into the intricate workings of our brain and the underlying biochemical processes that influence it. Exploring this fascinating realm requires nothing short of pushing scientific boundaries and utilizing cutting-edge techniques, with particle accelerators standing at the forefront of this pursuit. These magnificent machines not only unravel the deepest mysteries of the universe but also yield practical applications that enhance our daily lives. Remarkable innovations like X-rays, EEG, CAT scans, MRI, and PET scans have emerged as direct outcomes of such relentless scientific endeavors. By harnessing the power of these state-of-the-art instruments, modern neuroscientists have gained unprecedented capabilities to unravel the secrets of our psyche and offer profound insights into our very nature. With each passing day, they amass a colossal amount of invaluable data, which, in turn, is meticulously interpreted and explained by psychologists to individuals outside the scientific community, including lawmakers. This expanding pool of knowledge challenges preconceived notions about consciousness and volition, eventually reshaping the foundations of our legal system. As a result, more accurate and informed judgments can be made regarding criminal cases, ensuring appropriate accountability and justice prevail in our society.
Science stands as the ultimate beacon of knowledge, illuminating our understanding of the world with its objective, reliable, and verifiable answers. Through its systematic approach, science has not only unraveled the mysteries of far universe but also provided us with profound insights into our own psyche. Its unparalleled achievements have paved the way for progress and should be celebrated. While alternative practices may hold value in certain contexts, it is undeniable that science remains the unrivaled champion in delivering evidence-based solutions.
This example aimed to establish a correlation between scientific and social scholarly endeavors. Regrettably, some social scholars may overlook this connection and instead attempt to bridge this gap with information derived from esoteric, pseudoscientific, or religious sources.
Back to the original story…
During my early teenage years, I found myself pondering profound ethical questions, one of which was: “Why do we recklessly destroy the very environment upon which we depend?” Even at such a tender age, I recognized the glaring absence of ethical considerations in our human approach to the physical world, although I admittedly had only a vague understanding of ethics. I delved into the possibility of discovering alternative solutions and ideas that would allow us, as Homo sapiens, to maintain a harmonious connection with the natural environment while objectively studying and ethically engaging with it. It was not limited to the physical aspects alone; I also examined our inherent social nature and the values that underpin it. I began to see the undeniable correlation between overall human social progress and our perception of the environment and utilization of technology. Importantly, I realized that several fundamental social concepts, which we now embrace, have emerged from our understanding of how nature operates. One notable example is the “school of natural law,” from which the modern concept of human rights has been derived and subsequently applied to our contemporary world.
Well, I had this other thing that I got super into too – stars and stuff. But hear me out, it wasn’t some weird mystical vibe, it was more like a logical fascination. You see, I grew up in this small town where light pollution was practically non-existent. And during the armed conflicts back in the day, we’d often have power outages, which meant even less light pollution. So, I got to see the most amazing night skies, like the whole Milky Way and even these crazy rare stars that you usually can’t spot in the city. Those experiences really stuck with me, and I started diving deep into astronomy. I’d read books, look at pictures, and even watch Star Trek (I know, nerd alert!). It all sparked this crazy imagination in me – thinking about things like unlimited energy and how stars have been pumping out insane amounts of it for, like, forever.
My profound curiosity about concepts like atomic fusion only grew stronger. My father, recognizing my thirst for knowledge, took it upon himself to explain the intricate distinction between fusion and fission. It was during one of our cherished hikes through the enchanting forest that this extraordinary conversation took place, forever etching itself into my memory. In his own remarkable way, my father delved into the cycles of energy, making complex concepts remarkably accessible. I vividly recall his words, “Fission is already within our grasp, but sustainable fusion is yet to be realized due to the need for advanced technology.” He never once dismissed the possibility of fusion but rather emphasized the importance of technological advancements. Meanwhile, my mother, being a chemist, embraced a similar approach. She would generously provide me with an array of indicator strips, encouraging my natural propensity for experimentation. As a testament to my first unintended chemistry experiment [as a three-year-old], I once tumbled into the henhouse from a significant height. Despite her being unable to intervene swiftly enough to prevent the mishap, my mother and I transformed the incident into a captivating chemistry experiment in our very own kitchen, resulting in a delectable feast of soup and roast chicken.
So, back in the late 80s and early 90s, I was on a kick for trying out all sorts of wild things. One time, I got this idea to lift up 10 liters of water and make a mini waterfall out of it. And get this, I rigged up a little water pump so that the water would keep flowing in a loop, going back to the original reservoir. I had no clue at the time that I was dabbling with the concept of a perpetual motion machine and totally defying the laws of thermodynamics. It wasn’t until I started studying physics later on that I realized the true nature of my crazy childhood experiment!
My childhood was an exhilarating journey that ignited a relentless curiosity within me. It molded my very perception of the world, fueling a burning desire to question, unravel, and explore. The wonders of natural sciences became my steadfast companion, guiding me through the labyrinth of knowledge. I discovered that it is within the realms of scientific discovery that humanity finds its true potential. The importance of investing in groundbreaking research and nurturing institutions like CERN cannot be overstated. They hold the keys to unlocking the hidden mysteries of the subatomic universe. Understanding the role of natural sciences is crucial for a well-rounded social scholar. While some may overlook this vital aspect, it is essential for individuals studying law, politics, economics, history, and other social sciences to grasp the significance of natural sciences. Regrettably, many decision-makers in politics and law lack a firm understanding of this fundamental connection, with the exception being instances where military operations necessitate specific scientific research.
The reason behind the extensive political disagreements, both at a local and global level, regarding topics such as global warming, energy production, and planetary defense, stems from a lack of genuine scientific literacy. This knowledge, acquired either during childhood or formal education, plays a crucial role in developing a constructive understanding of the natural sciences. Failure to cultivate scientific literacy leaves future generations of lawyers, economists, and politicians vulnerable to undue influence from lobbying, corporatism, and ideological biases. Achieving our future goals requires not only a firm ethical foundation but also a strong grasp of scientific principles. Without it, our assumptions about the nature of our world and the universe at large become misguided and ill-informed. I am concerned that if the current circumstances remain unaltered, forthcoming generations may gradually relinquish their capacity to effectively interrogate matters.
As a kid, instead of the word “energy” I used “current”.
Scientifically Literate Junction 