Scientists As Leaders

If and when we make contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, we need to expect huge differences between the evolution of their civilization and that of our own.

The meme here brings up an interesting idea: What if we the people demanded to be led by  people of science (vs. rhetoric and love of power).

Well, a few changes come top of  mind:

• High priority on education with rich curricula delivered by well-paid teachers; everyone who wants a college degree gets one

• Common sense laws, e.g., gun legislation, that protect us from harm

• No religious-based wars and other forms of hostility based on those concepts

• No laws restricting personal choices that are based on religion, e.g., abortion

• A political and economic system that eliminates poverty

• A pristine and stable environment

• Full sustainability, based on the deployment of every relevant piece of technology

• Vigorous R&D re: future technologies to help us all lead better, healthier, and longer lives

Sound like utopia?  To me it does.

Now, might there be dishonest and corrupt scientists, who would favor some approaches over others for personal gain?

Potentially.

But think about that for a minute, and compare that possibility to what we have now:  a political scene that features Team Trump’s attempt to overthrow the most powerful country, and the most potent democracy, on Earth.

Here’s a good comparison about worrying about a little problem while ignoring a greater one.  The caption: “Oh my God, we’re out of gin.”