Neil deGrasse Tyson's Stark Warning: The Reality of Scientific Illiteracy Among Adults

Chloe Whisperwillow

Updated Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has once again sparked a vital conversation with a powerful statement on scientific illiteracy. In a compelling image circulating on social media, Tyson is seen delivering a speech with his right arm extended, emphasizing the gravity of his message. Dressed in a dark suit and tie, Tyson's words strike at the heart of a significant societal issue.

"The problem in society is not kids not knowing science. The problem is adults not knowing science. They outnumber kids 5 to 1, they wield power, they write legislation. When you have scientifically illiterate adults, you have undermined the very fabric of what makes a nation wealthy and strong." – Neil deGrasse Tyson

This thought-provoking statement has ignited discussions across various platforms. One user remarked, "Social Media is entirely to blame for giving morons a very loud collective voice." Another observed, "We’ve always had stupid people, we just haven’t had so many ways to feed them stupidity until the last 10-20 years."

Tyson's statement highlights a crucial issue: the influence of scientifically illiterate adults who hold positions of power and shape legislation. This lack of scientific understanding is not just a problem for the right or the left; it permeates all political spectrums. As one commenter noted, "I'm not just referring to the right either, the left has been equally susceptible to falling for these strategies."

The consequences of this ignorance are far-reaching. From laws passed based on non-existent phenomena, such as Tennessee's ban on chemtrails, to historical missteps like Congress ignoring a geologist's advice to draw state lines according to water sources—these actions have long-term impacts on society.

Another user lamented, "Not scientifically illiterate, most adults don't know primary school lessons." This sentiment is echoed by many who see the issue as rooted in the education system and the ways in which information is disseminated and consumed in the digital age.

Tyson's message is a clarion call for improved science education and literacy among adults. As one commenter eloquently put it, "Well, I'd consider myself scientifically ignorant, but that's WHY I support the sciences. Because of scientists, I know a little about what's going on with the weather and the climate. I have medicine. I read about neat stuff we're learning about space and dinosaurs."

It's evident that addressing scientific illiteracy is not just about educating the youth but also equipping adults with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. As Tyson warns, the stakes are high, and the very fabric of what makes a nation wealthy and strong depends on it.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

mikenco

Social Media is entirely to blame for giving morons a very loud collective voice.

porkrindstonecowboy

We’ve always had stupid people, we just haven’t had so many ways to feed them stupidity until the last 10-20 years. They used to be stupid because they didn’t have access to education, now they are stupid because they keep getting fed lies and propaganda. I’m not just referring to the right either, the left has been equally susceptible to falling for these strategies.

adrianenspired

believe it or not, 5/5 adults used to be kids

GlenL

Tennessee recently passed a law banning chemtrails . . . a thing that doesn't exist https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68716894

TheGek0h

Science is not a source of values. I'm not saying that any source of values is good, but there are many many scientists whose education has not led towards them being politically engaged beyond a single issue or two (typically climate change). You don't learn empathy as a result of learning the scientific method. It isn't magical, and it isn't a solution to the systemic issues of American Politics.

KarlPhylos

When the American West was being settled, Congress sent a geologist to survey the land and report. The geologist wanted to draw state lines according to water sources. Congress ignored the geologist and this remains one source of the West’s water issues.

SweetChinBro

It's wild to me that they're legitimately making a feel good Reagan movie despite the fact the man was a real world f***ing demon abd the world is a better place with him dead.

CorgisButtsDriveMeNuts

Not scientifically illiterate, most adults don't know primary school lessons.

rubypilgrim

Well, I'd consider myself scientifically ignorant, but that's WHY I support the sciences. Because of scientists, I know a little about what's going on with the weather and the climate. I have medicine. I read about neat stuff we're learning about space and dinosaurs. And I know that without scientists, most of the things I like about society would stop existing, including a lot of us. Ignorance is not an excuse to be evil.

10yearslurking

It's a great cause, but I suggest it is fundamentally wrong: "In 2021, foreign-born workers made up 19% of all STEM workers in the United States, and 43% of scientists and engineers with doctorate degrees"...immigrants are the backbone of science not American young people.