We and the science

Over sixty years or more have passed since those words were written by the great scholar "Ali Mustafa Mushrifa Pasha," and inscribed on the pages of that book. They have not been worn out nor have they lost their value, despite the fact that the field of science is constantly new every day. What was new yesterday is certainly not the same today. But that was not what happened with what that insightful and farsighted scholar wrote when he spoke about an important issue, indeed a very critical one... it is "We and Science"! It is not just the title, but the issue that still remains unresolved to this day, its mysteries not unraveled, and no serious steps taken to solve it in the Arab world, even in the third millennium after Christ. The words he wrote seem as if he is living among us now, observing our agricultural, industrial, scientific, and educational problems. It is clear that the logic of matters has not changed since then. The appearances and details have changed, but the essence remains as it is until now. What is noteworthy and deserving of attention is that our great scholar did not merely point out the problem and its dimensions, but also included in his small but valuable book the method of solution, its steps, and all its details. He discussed the issue of pure scientific research and applied scientific research, and organizing the relationship between them. The chapters of the book are as follows: (Scientific authorship and scientific culture and what should be towards them, guiding public opinion scientifically, science in service of society, scientific research and its organization, how science and scientists can be directed to achieve global cooperation). Throughout all this, he follows a simple, clear, smooth style that the average reader can understand. He does not restrict himself to a select group of specialists; he presents the issue and its solution to everyone. His concern is the progress of this nation and its well-being. "We" and "Science"... to understand the relationship between our societies and "Science," and to find the way out of this international and historical dilemma, we must give these words special attention. They are abstract words... purely scientific... not meant to solve a minor issue here or there that time will pass beyond. Rather, they are "foundations" — for anyone who wants to build a structure that rises and flourishes, they must be taken as a basis.