We are in the age of science and technology. Man cannot live without the aid of science. Science has so much engulfed our lives that nothing can take place in our day to day work without the help of science. Our food, transport, learning, administration, recreation and social life are all linked with science in various ways. To answer the question whether science has come to mankind as a boon or as a use for ruin (bane), one should know what science exactly means. Science is said to be a systematic classification of experiences. We, men wonder at the various things and events happening around us.

We get doubts; what are they? These questions are the basic seeds for science. Then starts the thinking, reasoning, analysis, synthesis, comparison and contrast and finally the truth emerges. Scientists say there is a scientific method for everything and there are inevitable steps to be followed: (1) Observation (2) Hypothesis (3) Experiment (4) Theory and (5) Proof. All scientists have, in a way, followed these steps. The aim of science is search for truth, and to know things, hitherto unknown. A scientist does not accept ideas, simply because, they were accepted by others earlier.

Great discoveries are a result of reasoning. A lot of patience and observation are required. Civilization, as it is today, is the result of a number of discoveries made in the field of science. The invention of them simple wheel has resulted in our modern industrialization. Electricity, as a source of energy, has revolutionized the world. Medical science is so much advanced that the average life of an Indian has risen to 62 years from 35 years. Science has contributed to the success of our green revolution and now we have enough food for all.

We have enough clothing and better shelter too. All this is possible, because of science. Radios, T. C s and cinemas which entertain us are the products of science. So a common man has to conclude that science is a boon to mankind. There is the other side of the coin also. T. L. Peacock says; “I almost think that it is the ultimate destiny of science to exterminate the human race”. That is the other point of view. It is science, which gave birth to destructive weapons like dynamite, guns, rifles, rockets, atom bombs, hydrogen bombs etc. t is science that gave electrical power and nuclear power. If nuclear power is used for peaceful purposes, there is no need for fear. But after all it is human to err. Can anyone say that there is no chance of the destruction of a Hiroshima or a Nagasaki being repeated? If that happens, will not science be a bane of humanity? Leaving that apart, another creation of science is pollution of the environment. Industrialization with the aid of science has polluted air, water, food and the atmosphere. The ozone layer is giving threatening signals.

So here is a case for man to consider science as a cause of ruin. Man is a rational being. He can safeguard himself against all odds. That is how he was able to conquer and control all other creatures in the world. So let us believe that his wisdom will prevail and he would reason out for the well being of his kind on this planet. When the universe reveals more secrets to man by means of science, there is hope that the present man will become a superman and eventually science would be only a boon and not a bane of his life. Science without conscience is death of the soul.