Our eyes are embedded just below the mind. The thoughts of the mind are able to see far ahead of what the eyes can perceive. Yet, the mind has to depend on the eyes, for as the old saying goes, “seeing is believing.” My own experience of sixty years endorses the immense power of observation through the eyes. The vastness of this universe can be perceived by our gifted optical nerves. Knowledge is gathered, and the invisible potential of the Creator is celebrated and documented by technocrats with their ever-inquisitive eyes. Observation is followed by analysis, which culminates in research and eventually ends with a report.

 

Although this paragraph is macro in scope, it highlights the foundation of all sciences. Eyes observe with the help of tools such as telescopes, high-end cameras, drones, towers, and more—but even these are helpless without our eyes. There are numerous fields—geographical, historical, social, political, medical—that rely on the power of observation. Newton’s discovery of gravity began with the simple observation of an apple falling from a tree. When you observe, you learn something new. If your eyelids remain closed, you may miss an event capable of transforming your life. The contents of geographical books have been written only after observing places, mountains, rivers, glaciers, and so on. The same applies to history, social sciences, politics, and medicine.

 

What has been seen must be documented systematically, and this ultimately becomes the foundation of a nation’s education. Authors either rely on the observations of others for their content or record their own. Millions of books fill shelves today because of thoughts and observations. Knowledge is then disseminated further. Observation also operates at the micro level - in paper ads, hoardings, social media, and electronic media. The research done in laboratories is hidden in the products used daily by consumers and producers. The producer, therefore, must highlight the innovative element of his product to attract the consumer. I once came across an interesting advertisement that spoke of hydrophobic sanitary taps. At first, I was puzzled. “Hydrophobic” literally means fear of water. But the picture of the tap showed water drops rolling off without leaving stains.

 

Only then did I realize this new technology. This learning was possible solely because I paid attention to the advertisement. I would urge students to carefully observe the labels on products, as this will broaden their scientific horizon. Observation, indeed, is the foundation of all knowledge. The optical nerves carry impulses to the brain, which then records them in the form of news, books, advertisements, and theses. Therefore, take care of your eyes—and help the visually impaired experience the world as much as possible. n