Here we were, the only seven humans in space, repairing a telescope whose only purpose is to enrich the minds of people on planet Earth and increase our understanding of the workings of the universe. I can think of no better peaceful use of space for all humankind.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of scientific exploration and the collaborative effort of humanity in furthering knowledge.
In this quote, John M. Grunsfeld reflects on the profound significance of human presence in space, highlighting the collective achievement of seven astronauts working to repair a telescope that serves to enhance the understanding of the universe and benefit all of mankind. He underscores the idea that such endeavors contribute to peaceful pursuits and the greater good of humanity, showcasing how exploration leads to enlightenment and knowledge for those on Earth.
In practice
During a presentation on the importance of space missions, this quote can highlight the peaceful use of technology.
You have ... been told that science grows like an organism. You have been told that, if we today see further than our predecessors, it is only because we stand on their shoulders. But this [Nobel Prize Presentation] is an occasion on which I should prefer to remember, not the giants upon whose shoulders we stood, but the friends with whom we stood arm in arm ... colleagues in so much of my work.
Science surpasses the old miracles of mythology.
What I tend to do is to wake about five in the morning-this happens quite often-think about the invention, and then image it in my mind in 3D, as a kind of construct. Then I do experiments with the image...sort of rotate it, and say, 'Well what'll happen if one does this?' And by the time I get up for breakfast I can usually go to the bench and make a string and sealing wax model that works straight off, because I've done most of the experiments already.
Never will the doctrine of spontaneous generation recover from the mortal blow struck by this simple experiment.
The goal of scientific physicians in their own science ... is to reduce the indeterminate. Statistics therefore apply only to cases in which the cause of the facts observed is still indeterminate.
We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.
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