Science in Everyday Life
Science is a social institution having its own approaches and methods on every developing body of knowledge. It plays an important role in our life. The knowledge or collection of experience differentiates man from the animal. For most people science refers to a number of mental subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and mechanics, but our way of life is wholly dependent on science and its fruits surrounding us from all sides.
It was not until the 18th century that man valued scientific progress. Industrial Revolution in the West showed the impact of science on man’s life. Science helped man through developments in yielding of land, profitable production, transportation and the beginning of the supply of machine-made consumer goods. Until 1920, scientific progress was steady but in the last 90 years, the process of applying of science to the needs of living has accelerated enormously. This has been balanced to the amount of scientific discovery itself.
Today, there is availability of a huge range of consumer goods from a simple spoon to the jet plane, from the wristwatch to highly sophisticated computer. All these things contribute in making our life easier, comfortable and more enjoyable. Science provides assistances and short cuts. Without science, life would be no more than the struggle for survival. There would be no time or temptation to engage in higher things.
Science gives us safe food that is free from harmful bacteria. It also teaches us to eat properly, proportionately and follow a balanced diet. This has resulted into living a diseases free and prolonged life. Science has also improved clothing and made it more appropriate for climatic and working conditions. Manufactured fibres and handy spinning machines enable us to dress in clothes both comfortable and smart without being expensive.
Nowadays, electric lighting, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and variety of kitchen appliances are used in most homes. All these products are scientifically designed to increase comfort, cleanliness and reduce labour. Science has produced hundreds of appliances and other things for good and happy living. Everything ranging from the piece of chalk to the closed-circuit televisions is the direct or indirect results of scientific progress.
In the old days, the idea undertaking long journey was dominated by the privileged section of society. However, today, science has given us the steamer, the motorcar and the aircraft. Therefore, new horizons are opened by science giving us the means to enjoy the new leisure of life. To enjoy life one has to remain healthy. Today, because of the use of different medicines and treatments, many diseases are speedily cured. Thus, people are becoming healthier and are free from pain and illness.
Science has been completely beneficial when correctly applied. When it is misused, it proves to be very dangerous. Science is a good servant of human race but man must remain a good master.
