Chapter 12 Discussion

I found this chapter to be just fascinating. I thought it absolutely amazing that so many key inventions in the world played off of one another. For example, had gun powder never been discovered for cannons, the major machines developed to make life easier may never have been developed. Also, had it not been for gun powder, as well as the “mafia like” competition in the world at that time, the industrial revolution and subsequent end to slavery may never have taken off as it did. This in turn resulted in cheaper means of coolants which resulted in refrigerators, air conditioning, and other inventions that make our lives just so much easier.

Despite the captivating and historical aspect of the chapter, I found a much greater appreciation for the darker side hidden beneath the historical facts or delightful jokes and play on words. It disturbed me that so many of the luxuries we enjoy are subsequently destroying the Earth for our great grandchildren. In fact, the global warming facet set aside, it seemed as though the author was trying to detail the negative effects that all of the major inventions he explained had on the world. For example, the gun powder was a wonderful new invention but killed millions of people. The big machines were great, but resulted in a negative, competitive, and vicious world where people got killed just for having a less effective machine. This brings us to global warming and the negative effects that our luxuries have on our environment. Our refrigerators in the 90’s and before were ripping a hole in the ozone layer, as were our air conditioners and who knows what else. Furthermore, more negative affects are being felt by things we are still doing each day. Negative things that just recently have been brought to the public’s attention. In fact, it seems the government is reversing the progress we’ve already made.

This chapter gave me a lot to think about- not necessarily just about the effects of global warming and what we’re doing to accelerate it. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to be a college student in a science major at a large university and not know the facts of global warming up and down already. No, I am talking in particular about the responsibility that scientists and other educated beings have to the world today. Responsibility for our actions and responsibility for our science. This entire chapter reflected a lack of responsibility on the “scientist’s” part. There were many instances that resulted in the death of many in the chapter because those using the science wanted to advance themselves (both monetarily and politically). There were instances in the chapter, and in the world today, where politicians avoid major issues tearing our world apart so as not to offend their sponsors, parties, or supporters. A perfect example of this happens to be the subject of a research project I have worked on in the past. The issue that no one wants to talk about—unprotected sex and its affect on STDs (namely AIDS). Since we currently live in a more politically conservative society (not to complain—I am about as southern as they come) pre-marital and unprotected sex is considered nearly taboo in Washington. Though AIDS epidemics and STDs are affecting millions, the Bush administration would rather turn a blind eye to the matter than to offend their party and, pardon the expression, “cash cows.” However, to be a politician or a scientist or even just a school teacher, we must take responsibility for what we know. If we know our little brother is going to burn himself by placing his hand on that stove, aren’t we going to warn him or shout at him in a panic? This should be no different with matters of science, politics, and the mercury emissions/ greenhouse gases plaguing our world today.