100 Science Giants Who Promoted the Progress of Human Civilization

Author: Mu Jun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-03
Features: Looking back a thousand years, we marvel at how human civilization, like a swiftly moving train, relentlessly chases an anonymous destination. We are proud, proud that with the advancement of civilization, we invented writing and no longer needed to record events by tying knots in ropes. We are fortunate, fortunate that with the progress of civilization, we can travel by train, airplane, or even spacecraft, no longer needing to endure long journeys for distant destinations. We are also filled with awe, awe that due to civilization's development, we can use satellites to transmit messages, no longer needing to climb high mountains to relay signals by beacons.
Strolling through the long river of world history, how many wise and talented individuals have, with their extraordinary wisdom, pioneered and innovated for the advancement of human civilization. Today, in an era of highly developed technology, while enjoying the blessings of our ancestors, reflecting on their deeds fills us with inspiration and motivates us to strive tirelessly for the progress of human civilization. The great philosopher and physicist Aristotle once said, "Give me a lever and I will move the whole Earth." We should also believe that standing on the shoulders of these giants, we too can push humanity from one civilization to another.
The book 100 Science Giants Who Promoted the Process of Human Civilization provides a great platform for us to understand these giants and stand on their shoulders. It introduces world-class science giants from various fields, including scientific thought, mathematics and information science, physical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, medical and physiological sciences, astronomy, and technological inventions. There are Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher who founded research institutions and trained students, laying the foundation for the prototype of modern universities. There is Al-Khwarizmi, the Uzbek mathematician who adopted Arabic numerals, introduced the concept of "zero" into the counting system, and supervised the creation of three world maps. There is Bian Que, the ancestor of traditional Chinese medicine who first established the basic norms for diagnosing and treating diseases in TCM and established a medical ethical code centered on "benevolent medicine." There is Galen, the ancient Roman physician who dominated medical theory and practice in Europe and Asia for 1,400 years through anatomical studies of animals and observations of human organ functions. There is Descartes, the father of modern philosophy who founded analytical geometry, dedicated his life to rebuilding knowledge, made significant contributions to physics and physiology, and coined the philosophical term "Cogito." And there is Lavoisier, the father of modern chemistry who established the theory of oxidation and combustion, leading to the chemical revolution.
Through reading this book, we can better appreciate the hidden hardships and perseverance behind their achievements from their ordinary lives and studies. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the profound significance of these scientific giants' inventions and discoveries for the advancement of human civilization. Moreover, it inspires us to overcome obstacles in the development of civilization and move forward with determination.
Beyond the technical aspects themselves, this alone is a great legacy left to future generations. The locomotive of human civilization has unknowingly entered a new millennium. We must be grateful and cherish what we have—basking in the sunlight of our ancestors and enjoying the warmth brought by technology, while leaning against the towering trees of these giants and savoring the shade they provide. However, we must also innovate and progress continuously, for the wheels of history always roll forward, and the steps of civilization never cease.
Fortunately, due to the efforts of these historical giants, they have laid a solid foundation for our development, making the continuous progress of human civilization possible and eternal. Because we can stand on their shoulders to innovate and create, and because we stand taller, we can see further!