I should teach the world that data matters - science is driven by what is observed about the world, not by what people think the world should be like.

I also wish everyone understood that there is uncertainty in all scientific conclusions about complex subjects that involve public debate. This is important, because in many areas - climate warming is a good example - we have to make policy choices in the face of scientific uncertainty.

James Trefil is author of books including Human Nature: A Blueprint for Managing the Earth - By People, for People (buy this book from Amazon (UK) or Amazon (USA)), and The Moment of Creation: Big Bang Physics from Before the First Millisecond to the Present Universe (buy this book from Amazon (UK) or Amazon (USA)). See his website.