Page:Tolstoy - Essays and Letters.djvu/242

 226 ESSAYS AND LETTERS

is just what has liappened with the science of to-day. True science is never appreciated by its contemporaries, but on the contrary is usually persecuted. Nor can this be otherwise. True science shows men their mis- takes, and points to new, unaccustomed ways of life. And both these services are unpleasant to the ruling section of society. But present-day science not only does not run counter to the tastes and demands of the ruling section of society, but it quite complies with them : it satisfies idle curiosity, excites people's wonder, and promises them increase of pleasure. And so, whereas all that is truly great is calm, modest and unnoticed, the science of to-day knows no limits to its self-laudation.

used to be considered science was an imposture, a blunder, and of no account. Only our method is true, and the only true science is ours. Tlie success of our science is such that thousands of years have not done what we have accomplished in the last century. In the future, travelling the same path, our science will solve all questions, and make all mankind happy. Our science is the most important activity in the world, and we, men of science, are the most important and neces- sary people in the world.'
 * All former methods were erroneous, and all that

So think and say the scientists of to-day, and the cultured crowd echo it, but really at no previous time and among no people has science — the whole of science with all its knowledge — stood on so low a level as at present. One part of it, which should study the things that make human life kind and happy, is occupied in justifying the existing evil order of society ; another part is engaged in solving questions of idle curiosity.

' VTiat } — Idle curiosity r I hear voices ask in indig- nation at such blasphemy. * What about steam, and electricity, and telephones, and all our technical improvements ? Not to speak of their scientific impor- tance, see what practical results they have produced Man has conquered Nature and subjugated its forces' . . . with more to the same effect.