2015 Issue

64 The Water Resource Specialists American Fork, Utah • 801-756-0309 www.fransoncivil.com Master Planning and Studies Alternatives Analysis Project Funding Assistance Permitting and Regulatory Assistance Water Rights Source Development and Groundwater Design of Water Facilities Computer Modeling Bidding Assistance Construction Management of Water Facilities Operations and Maintenance Optimization ponder the wonder of it all. This common understanding should rise above all national differences and all religions. Human beings are the only creatures that can ask the question “Why am I here?’ and “What is the meaning of my existence?” and “ What does the future hold?” But that complexity comes at a price: ignorance of the things around us…. There is every reason to believe that the steady progression of scientific knowledge and implementation of that information will continue. It is progress that gives ever more people access to greater comfort, food, clothing, and shelter and to longer life, in- creased leisure time, and easing of pain. But we must be aware of the limitations of science. Just because we know more, that does not mean we behave any better or treat others in a humanemanner. Some people knowingly ingest carcinogens, take illicit drugs, and drink too much alcohol. Some people are in poverty because they make bad choices, or because of others’ self-interested choices. We know so much better than we do. We are great at solving technical problems. Putting a man on the moon was an engineering task. We understood rocket propulsion, celestial mechanics, navigation, and life-support systems. Our country had the money, will, and focus to succeed. But we are not very good at “people” problems. We have difficulty convincing people to make good decisions in use of food, alcohol, driving, drugs, etc. A free society cannot compel people to live or behave in a healthful manner. It must persuade them that it is in their best interest. And that is not an easy task. Just because science and technology can give us all these “goodies” does not mean people use them in a constructive manner. They don’t necessarily make people happier or lead them to livemore productive lives. Scientific progress does not advance equally in all areas of human endeavor. The war on cancer is improving. But there remains much that we do not understand about cell biology. We’ve been able to predict lunar and solar eclipses centuries in advance at least since the time of the ancient Mayans. But predicting clear skies or cloudy skies only one day ahead is iffy. There is room for pessimism and for optimism. On the dark side, there are groups that will use sci- ence and technology to commit mass murder and eliminate those who hold ideas different from their own. On the positive side, there is hope that third-world countries will narrow the gap with the developed countries and enjoy the prospects of clean air and water, sufficient foodstuffs, and the freedom of choice we have in the Western world. Larry Scheckel taught high-school-level physics and aerospace science for more than thirty- eight years. A three-time Tomah (Wisconsin) Teacher of the Year and six time Presidential Awardee at the state level, Scheckel has shared science with thousands of adults and students in presentations at such venues as Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Rotary Clubs, children’s museums, and conventions. He lives with his wife, Ann, in Tomah. 250 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS | continued from page 63