Today we watched a video in class where Stephen Colbert interviews Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and well-known for his work with the Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey mini-series. The interview is about science and its relationship with society.
While watching the video, there was one particular quote that stuck out to me. Colbert starts the interview by asking Tyson, "Is it better to know or not to know?" I pondered this question, and decided I believe it is better to know. Tyson also believes it is better to know, and he gives many reasons as to why. He claims, "It [knowledge] empowers you to react." Having knowledge gives you a reason to do something about it, if something needs to be done. I thought this was a very powerful thing for him to say, and maybe I find it powerful because I find it true. Sometimes ignorance is not always bliss, and having knowledge could be valuable.
Tyson gives the example of your doctor informing you that you only have 5 more years to live. Knowing this, many people would agree to do something different in those 5 years to make them count. Neil deGrasse Tyson did a wonderful job answering the questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. I really enjoyed watching this video.