If I could teach the world just one thing about science, then it would be the scientist's attitude towards knowledge. Science, done well, combines a reverence for truth with an appreciation of doubt and uncertainty, and with a humility about our efforts to find the truth.

Science walks on a tightrope, with thoughtless, fundamentalist certainty on one side, and nihilistic, postmodern relativism on the other side. Both of these alternatives, which are increasingly polarising the world's citizens, are disastrous. Science can do more to improve the world by spreading its attitude towards truth and knowledge, than it can by creating cell phones, computer chips, or miracle drugs. If more people thought about the problems they face in the right way, then there would be more people contributing to solving the world's problems, and fewer people contributing to creating those problems.

Barry Schwartz is author of books including The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less (buy this book from Amazon (UK) or Amazon (USA)), and The Costs of Living: How Market Freedom Erodes the Best Things in Life (buy this book from Amazon (UK) or Amazon (USA)). See his website.