Art or science?
Why not both?
Science can fuel new ideas and change the world, and art allows us to embrace and explore the wonder of our complex minds.
Sir Charles Scott Sherrington shows us that both are possible. He explored through scientific research, and poetic visually evocative writing to convey his feelings and thoughts. Ahead of his time he saw emotions as part of the pursuit of truth. How better to communicate feelings about science than through poetry and philosophy?
In his own words the whole man must “combine his scientific part-man with his human rest”1. He described our mind as bringing “all that counts in life. Desire, zest, truth, love and knowledge”1.
Bringing science together with the arts allows full expression, to inspire and evoke thought and wonder about being alive. Thanks to Sherrington’s writing, his legacy of thoughts lives on.
The reaction to Sherrington’s writing by primary and secondary schools pupils suggests his thoughts are still relevant, inspiring and accessible. We hope as a teacher you can use our teaching resources and develop new ideas inspired by Sherrington and pass on his enthusiasm for learning and asking questions…
1. Sir Charles Sherrington from ‘Man on his Nature’ (1940)
