Summary
“Scientific Research is a Token of Humankind’s Survival” by Vladimir Keilis-Borok explains why science is important for saving human life. The writer says that scientists do not work for money. They work because they enjoy discovering new things and helping the world.
He tells a real story from the Cold War. At that time, powerful countries wanted to stop nuclear bomb testing. But they had a problem: some countries could secretly test bombs underground. The writer’s study of seismic waves helped solve this. His research made it possible to tell the difference between an earthquake and an underground nuclear explosion. Because of this, leaders were able to sign a nuclear test-ban agreement.
In the essay, he also says that the world faces many dangers—earthquakes, pollution, social problems, megacity collapse, nuclear waste, terrorism, and more. Only science can help us fight these disasters. Science creates new technologies, medicines, and tools that protect people.
He ends by saying: As long as science exists, there is hope for human survival.
✅ UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
a. What does a scientist get instead of big money?
A scientist gets freedom, joy of discovery, honour, and friendship, not big money.
b. What problem had the nuclear powers faced?
They did not know how to detect secret underground nuclear tests.
c. In which area did Keilis-Borok’s knowledge have direct use?
His knowledge of seismic waves (earthquake waves) was used to identify underground nuclear explosions.
d. What important decision did politicians take before the Geneva Summit?
They decided to ban nuclear weapon testing.
e. What natural and man-made disasters are mentioned?
Natural:
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Earthquakes
Man-made:
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Destruction of crowded cities
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Environmental pollution
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Social and economic crises
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Nuclear radiation leaks
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Mass violence
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Wars
✅ REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT
a. Who is the ‘you’ in “If you are clever, why are you so poor?”
Correct answer: iii. scientist
Why?
People often think scientists are very clever, but still not rich. The writer explains why.
b. What does “I found myself in Geneva” express?
It shows surprise. He did not expect that his research would suddenly be needed in an international meeting.
c. Are the statements true? Explain.
i. Money is more powerful than intellectual resources.
❌ False.
Intellectual power saves humanity, not money.
ii. Intellectual resources help survival of mankind.
✅ True.
Knowledge helps solve big dangers.
iii. Basic research is a way of stalling disasters.
✅ True.
New discoveries help prevent future problems.
d. How does the essay show that research helps humankind survive?
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Science stopped nuclear disaster.
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Science gives tools to fight natural and man-made dangers.
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Scientific discoveries build future medicines and technologies.
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Science protects human life.
e. Why does the writer use quotations?
To make his ideas stronger and to show that other great thinkers also believe science is important.
f. Explain the writer’s idea that scientists are the most practical people.
Scientists create real-life tools such as medicines, electronics, computers, earthquake detection, and many more. Their work gives practical solutions to problems, so they are very practical.
✅ REFERENCE BEYOND THE TEXT —
a. Everyone lives under the fear of annihilation by nuclear weapons. Explain this statement.
Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous weapons ever created. One nuclear bomb can destroy an entire city in a few seconds. It can kill millions of people instantly and leave long-lasting radiation that harms the environment, animals, and future generations.
Since many powerful countries have thousands of nuclear weapons, the fear of destruction is always present. Even if these countries do not want to attack each other, many things can still go wrong:
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A political misunderstanding can start a war.
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A small accident or technical error can launch a missile by mistake.
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Terrorist groups may try to steal nuclear materials.
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One country may feel threatened and attack first.
Because of this, people around the world worry that a nuclear war could start at any time. The fear is global, not limited to one nation. If a nuclear war happens, it will not only harm the countries involved; it will affect the entire world—causing climate change, radiation, food shortage, and mass extinction.
Therefore, the statement means that as long as nuclear weapons exist, every human being lives with the fear that life on Earth could be destroyed suddenly and completely.
b. The essayist says, “While there is science, there is hope of survival and well-being for all of us.” Explain it.
The writer believes that science gives humans the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from danger. Modern life is filled with many threats—diseases, natural disasters, pollution, wars, and more. Without science, we would not be able to fight these problems.
Here is why science gives hope:
1. Science fights diseases.
Vaccines, medicines, and medical machines save millions of lives every year. Diseases that once killed people—like smallpox and polio—are now controlled because of science.
2. Science predicts and reduces natural disasters.
With scientific instruments, we can predict earthquakes, storms, floods, and tsunamis. This helps people prepare and stay safe.
3. Science protects the environment.
Scientific research helps us understand climate change, pollution, and energy use. It also helps us create clean energy sources like solar, hydro, and wind.
4. Science prevents wars and nuclear disasters.
As seen in the essay, scientists created methods to detect secret nuclear tests. This helped countries agree on peace policies.
5. Science creates technology that improves life.
We have phones, computers, clean water systems, transportation, electricity, and safe food production—all because of science.
Thus, the writer means that science is our strongest tool for survival. Without science, humans would face danger blindly. But with science, there is always a way to solve problems, protect lives, and ensure a better future.
c. Is science a blessing or a curse? Write an essay on it.
Science: A Blessing or a Curse?
Science is one of the greatest forces in human history. It has changed how we live, how we think, and how we survive. Many people ask whether science is a blessing or a curse. The truth is that science can be both, depending on how humans use it.
Science as a Blessing
First, science has made our lives comfortable and easier. We use electricity, mobile phones, computers, vehicles, and the internet because of scientific discoveries. These tools help us work faster, stay connected, and save time.
Second, science has improved health greatly. Vaccines protect us from dangerous diseases. Hospitals are equipped with machines that help doctors treat patients. Life span has increased because of scientific progress in medicine.
Third, science helps us understand and protect the environment. We can study weather patterns, climate change, pollution levels, and create eco-friendly technologies. This helps us save nature for future generations.
Fourth, science keeps us safe from disasters. Earthquake sensors, weather satellites, and early warning systems save countless lives.
Science as a Curse
However, science can also become a curse when people use it with bad intentions. Nuclear weapons, bombs, and military technology created through science can destroy entire nations. Pollution caused by factories and machines harms the environment. Misuse of the internet leads to cybercrime, misinformation, and addiction.
Science can also create dangerous chemicals, harmful drugs, and machines that replace jobs. When people use scientific knowledge without moral responsibility, it harms society.
Conclusion
Science itself is neither good nor bad. It is a tool. A knife can cut vegetables or harm someone—the purpose decides the result. The same is true for science. When used wisely, science brings progress, comfort, and safety. When misused, it brings destruction and fear.
Therefore, science becomes a blessing when humans use it responsibly and ethically. It becomes a curse only when it is controlled by greed, violence, or carelessness. The future of science depends on the wisdom of humankind.