【102】Most people do not like too much change, nor do they like to consider altering natural processes. While society has gradually shown a willingness to manipulate human biology to prevent disease, most people are reluctant to consider the possibilities offered by the controversial subject of cloning. 【103】In a similar vein, society seems to believe that it must accept earthquakes as natural and unavoidable, but there are already methods under consideration to avoid as natural phenomena are to deal with, society must not maintain a parochial attitude toward preventing catastrophes that science may help avoid. Now is the time to change our world, to realize that while bad things can and do happen, we may be able to prevent them or at least ameliorate their effects without harming society or our environment. The threat of an impact from space has been considered, and methods to deal with this threat are being discussed. 【104】At the same time, we need to be aware that venturing into space may provide the ultimate answer to whether into space may provide the ultimate answer to whether or not humans can survive another threat, the evolution of our sun. I hope that we are able to develop a willingness to consider new approaches to our environmental and biological problems.
Clearly, science and society are intricately entwined, and as one progresses, so does the other. Pure science, the search for knowledge without knowing where it will lead, is part and parcel of what will make the world a better place for all mankind. The more we learn, the more questions we can ask and the more answers we can obtain. 【105】But as society struggles to find answers to its problems, it would do well to remember that science has touched upon and improved almost every aspect of our lives.We must therefore conquer our fears so that we can continue to progress on all fronts, and explore space as a new frontier that belongs to all of us.
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