Science is not something that can be learned by rote; a culture of critical thinking is needed. I mean, memorizing big science books does not create scientific mindedness. That is why we often see religious fanaticism even among doctors or engineers. Rationality or scientific mindedness is not born from technical knowledge alone. Rationality or scientific mindedness is born from questioning, observing, and practicing critical thinking. The ability to apply logic, the courage to challenge religious dogma makes a person scientifically minded.
Those who have studied philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, evolutionary theory, anthropology, literature, art, feminism, and humanism can easily embrace secular humanism, critical thinking, and scientific mindedness. This combination of reason and liberalism is the foundation of a truly civilized society.
On the other hand, those who confine themselves to rigid religious, political or ideological dogmas are usually unable to question the beliefs they have inherited. We see the result in all societies—educated professionals, such as doctors, engineers, but still bound by superstition, blind faith or fanaticism. Knowledge that lacks curiosity is mechanical; education that lacks freedom of thought is meaningless.
Progress in the history of human civilization has come at the hands of those who dared to question. Thinkers of the Enlightenment in Europe challenged the authority of the church and established reason in place of blind faith. Some freethinkers in South Asia promoted a rational spirit against centuries-old religious dogmas. Inspired by them, we continue the fight for reason generation after generation.
Today, when the world is plagued by superstition, fanaticism and pseudoscience, the need to cultivate a scientific mindset is greater than ever. In this time, standing on the side of reason and freedom is not only a responsibility, but also a moral duty.
The task of education is not only to produce professionals. We need citizens who know how to think independently, value evidence over emotion, and can distinguish between truth and falsehood. We need teachers who awaken curiosity, artists who question conventional norms, and writers who remind us of our humanity. A society that silences questions also silences progress.
In this superstitious, fanatical world, we need modern, progressive, free-thinking people. Their contribution is essential to building an enlightened civilization. When knowledge meets generosity, when reason joins hands with courage—then humanity is liberated, freed from the abyss of darkness and ignorance, and the liberation of the intellect.
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