Living this life is like running in a complex labyrinth. Where there is no predestinated reward, where there is no escape nor shortcuts. There are no monsters, no princess, no kings, and if we see them, they are just merely illusions. It is like an eternal journey without end where we are pushed to reveal ourselves in the most pristine and transparent way. There are days full of joy, tears of happiness with a soft wind razing your hair and, simultaneously, a deep pain is filling an empty space inside us.

I should not be the first nor the last scientist that feels contradiction in this crazy life. While we are trying to bring innovation, development and technologies, I asked my self if we are really creating progress. Is there is any possibility to create benefit for the whole system rather than only to this “intelligent” species called human?
Is it possible to create without being at expenses of others?

I am not the first in perceiving that it is our view of the world which is causing harm not only to others but to ourselves. Is this view of seeing the world and material entities in a utilitarian fashion which creates exploitation. We exploit our resources because we are craving for wealth or profit or pleasure. There is nothing wrong with wealth and money I should say. Actually, I like money and enjoy it when I have the possibility. Nevertheless, the question remains in what is the purpose of that money?
And the problem is not the money, is how much money do you need to be happy?
If you have more and more money, are you able to do more helpful deeds rather than only use it for taking care of your loved ones?
Or a bigger house or a better education for your kids?

Sometimes people think that we scientists are the more smart people, but I think that frequently we can be foolish, and dumb, and blind. A kind of barbarians. We are blind because we do not see that every piece we are in contact with has a unique existence and its own right. Its own sacredness. The same right to fight for life as we have. The same right to have a worthy death. We do not see ourselves as the carers of every creature we interact to. We only see how I can get benefits. How I can squeeze it so I can get more profit. And this attitude is not exclusive to scientists. Is part of the industrial pattern of thinking we all have in ourselves.

It is this deep-seated idea of progress, of inevitable progress that contributes to the suffering of our home. Sometimes I think that the reason why we do not really want to see the reality is that seeing it would cause in us a deep sense of grief, of despair and sadness. Being capable of understanding what we are doing would make us realise that there is no technological fix that can save us. The only way to change is by changing the things we want. We have to want in a different manner, different things and look at different pleasures. We need to reset our mind to pursue different goals in life rather than this miserable progress where we destroy animals -our brothers and sisters, humans- our friends, and our mother- the earth.

Science has lead innovation and technologies for the last centuries incredibly. What can I say? It is magnificent, and there is no day in my life, I swear, that I open my eyes without inquisitiveness to know more, to understand life in all its domains. Thanks to science, we are where we are; however, everything indicates that this is the time to mature. Our time requires a more integral science where intellect and care for others are re-united. Care for others beyond humans, including all sentient beings on the surface of this planet.
It is time to recuperate the heart, the pure intention of science: “Creating benefit for others“, but this time we will include everyone and everything, including our home.

There is no personal salvation. We are all in this together whether you like it or not. We absolutely depend on each other, and we depend on other beings on this earth. The best part is that we can choose what to do every moment of our life: to pretend to live our lives in a primary mode just taking care of ourselves and loved ones, or make our heart bigger and bigger and bigger. To have the courage to hear the cries of pain from the lowest depths of hell to the beautiful music of the universe.

Make our heart bigger can start with a simple gesture of empathy for the suffering of others. Make a cup of tea to someone, grab a flower to your teacher, to your friend. Cook to your parents today. Let go your righteousness at least this time, soften the critics you have with your partner, with yourself. Act rather than criticise. Try to speak less and listen more, just listening is a tremendous gift. Do something and do it kindly not because of you, but because you are doing something beneficial for others. Be kind to the ones you do not like, there is no much fun in being kind to the ones we love. Those who you consider assholes also suffer because everybody suffers.

Expand your being. Expand your heart because we have enough intellect. Make it vast in such a way that every sentient being can live gracefully in the warmth of your sincere being.

This post is dedicated to the millions of animals who die in laboratories because of scientific research. These animals sacrifice their lives to bring more benefit to us. They deserve at least recognition. My entire gratefulness to them.