The doubter is a true man of science

Jawaharlal Nehru in his inaugural speech at Kharagpur (1950) IIT, conspicuously stressed
upon importance of scientific temper. He envisaged conscious adoption of scientific attitude by
nation in general and by youth in particular, letting out an unique articulation of such attitude

He viewed scientific temper as a way of living, rather than a mere complex interaction
between data. It is more of objective understanding of the subjective world. Moreover, he stressed
that such a phenomenon must be reflected in thoughts, words and deeds. Thus, his understanding
emphasised upon critical nature of individual agency, drawing a clear lines between man of action
and idle man

In this juncture, let us delve into the causal relation between probing nature of human and
its intricacies with respect to human endeavours

It is well known that curiosity is inherent animal nature. we, as humans, leapfrogged due to
such quality. This curiosity can be extrapolated as an abstract and critical thinking, eliciting the
doubting attitude of human. This is well reflected in human evolution

Our ancestors were in constant struggle to understand the external world. Due to lack of
prior knowledge they adopted trial-error methodology in every action. As a result we started with
crude tools, refined them subsequently, moved from natural shelters to artificially built houses, mere
hunting and gathering to domesticating plants and animals. Such mentality led to human progress
through neolithic, urban and various phases of industrial revolutions

However, at this context, we also need to ponder upon what a human must doubt and to
what extent. We all know that ‘anything extreme is dangerous’. So, where and how shall we draw the
balance?. Well, remembering Nehru’s words once again, any scientific thought must clearly
demonstrate cause and effect relation. In doing so, we must also ensure that human emotions aren’t
neglected. Moreover, we may not explain few phenomenon completely. At this context, we need to
deconstruct the existing knowledge, understand minute intricacies and reinvigorating the knowledge

Our approach of atmanirbhar Bharat illustrates above views. We objectively designed our
policies to boost domestic production and entrepreneurship, thinking locally to achieve globally. In
this process, we gave due regard to various views from different sections of the society. Thus, we
incorporated tailor-made approach of policy making. We gave equal importance to tradition and
modernity, such as religious tourism along with medical tourism. Lastly, we could able to understand
underlying causes of poverty, lifting 270 million people out of it. This is truly a scientific approach
backed by probing attitude

Thus, this quality of human nature have wide range of prospects. It leads to personal and
professional wellbeing. It causes institutional development. Moreover, society progress in right
direction. For instance, japan after second world war, struggled to reconstruct the society and
economy. Being, island nation, it lacked critical resources. However, through high intense economic
research, they embraced export-led growth, as a result Japan grew up to twice as rapidly as did other
major industrialized countries. This momentous credit goes to every citizen who thought-out of box,
eventually leading to greatest ever-comeback in global economic history

Historically, critical thinking has led to societal revolutions. Renaissance was a true example.
It reoriented human thought process. Similarly, 19th century social reform movements lifted the
spirits of millions from obscurantism. Even in contemporary times, our changing attitude towards
mitigating climate change also a result of our constant examination of our surroundings
 However, over the period of time we are delinking ourselves from critical thinking. There are
multiple reasons for such menace. Modern scholars believe that increase in human comfort is one
such cause. Humans, once entered into comfort zone, psychic functioning to innovate and discover
will seems to lost, restraining individual to dis-comfort oneself

Next, instant gratification, hindering long-term perspective. When there is no ideology, it is

Lastly, societal criticality also plays major role. We always try to confirm our actions with
respect to prevailing beliefs, tradition and narratives. We became risk averse in the process of gaining
credibility from the society and mitigating any wrath for upholding a contrary approach. Many
supported church approach of geocentric model, fearing outrage from society, before Galileo turning
eccentric, preaching heliocentric model

Thus, it is essential for us to keep on investigating our external world and develop critical
thinking. This can be done by treating every aspect of our life as part of a whole. This enable us to
have holistic understanding about human living. This enable us to concentrate upon real functioning
rather than abstract entities. Similarly, society has to develop mentality of demarcating bona fide and
mala fide attempt of human action. This enable human to take risk without fearing of outcomes. At
an individual level, self-confidence becomes true ingredient to innovate anything. At last, all this has
to be done through responsible socialisation

To conclude, scientific man is one who constantly is in search of meaning- meaning of his
surroundings. He is always curious to open the knots of unknown. He has sceptical attitude but it is
backed with degree of rationality. He doubts everything, but through the lens of objectivity. He isn't
tired, but find peace, in knowing new. In doing so, he don’t prioritise mind over heart, but embrace
mindful heart. He is thus pragmatic and true product of Nehru’s scientific temper