Technikatörténeti szemle 16. (1986-87)

KRÓNIKA - Szabadváry Ferenc: Technology: Necessity and Danger. The Pros and Cons in our Museums

their means. Similarly, irreversible consumption of raw materials can be kept under control only by science and technology. Ever since Creation or origin — let everybody call it according to his ideology — a wonderful equilibrium has existed in nature: in a continuous cycle everything that was consumed was again originated. The presence of man on earth did not change this state for a very long period; he was also part of the cycle. This situation began to change in the 18th century as a result of human inventions, when man began to burn coal to produce energy and metals, that is, to use it up irreversibly. Within the time potentials of humanity, it is impossible for nature to refund the coal reserves. The process was slow; however, it is undeniable that ever since all technological progress has implied further irreversible shrinking of fuel reserves, although science has detected new types of fuels and exploited new deposits. It was only in our century that we realized: certain materials are heading towards final exhaustion and the time when this will happen can be calculated. It is by now not only the problem of fuels but also of materials directly required for the existence of humanity. Potable water begins to be scarce, and calculations are being made how long the oxygen content of the atmosphere will suffice. A remarkable Hungarian play exists, which — had it not been written in Hungarian, but in a world-wide known language — would certainly count to the peak masterworks of world literature. Its title is The Tragedy of Man; it was written in the middle of the 19th century by Imre Madach. In this play Adam, after his expulsion from Paradise, has a dream: accompanied by Lucifer he travels through the history of mankind and experiences terrible contradictions and disappointments in each new epoch. The author does not stop at the era of his own lifetime: after capitalism, Adam continues his path into utopistic socialism, then attempts to break out into space, but cannot overcome gravitation. A period follows when food and raw materials dwindle and mankind lapses into the primitive development state of Eskimos. Awakening, Adam is horrified by the future prospects of humanity. It suddenly flashes upon him that being the only man, he could prevent the series of tragedies to happen. He already stands on the top of a steep cliff ready to precipitate himself into death, when Eve comes running and tells him that she is pregnant. Adam realizes that he is defeated by God. The tragedy ends with the Lord's voice: „1 told you, man, strive and trust!" Numerous doctoral dissertations have been written about this play and particularly on the question how to interprete the final sentence of this essentially pessimistic work. We should here, I believe, interprete it in the following manner: by science and technology man strives for the existence of human society, for its survival. I believe this to be important because the present public aversion towards science and technology manifests itself essentially as the aversion to progress and development. Humanity, living in the shadow of nuclear war, observing day-today deterioration of environment, became frightened by its own capabilities; it mistrusts chemicals utilized in agriculture and even more fully novel areas like for instance genetic engineering, which will certainly bring benefits to mankind, but — as everything new — undoubtedly carries risks. In scientific and technological museums — following the spirit of our age — the significance of museum-pedagogical activities is increasing, and hence this climate of mistrust must obviously be taken into account.