Meaning: Bertolt Brecht, the renowned German poet, playwright, and theatre director, is known for his thought-provoking and often politically charged work. The quote "Science knows only one commandment - contribute to science" encapsulates Brecht's view of the purpose and responsibility of scientific inquiry. In this quote, he emphasizes the singular focus of science on the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of human understanding.

Brecht's assertion that science knows only one commandment - to contribute to science - reflects his belief that the primary aim of scientific endeavor is to add to the body of knowledge and to push the boundaries of what is known. This perspective aligns with the ethos of scientific inquiry, which is rooted in the pursuit of truth and the expansion of knowledge through systematic study and experimentation.

From Brecht's viewpoint, the commandment to contribute to science implies a duty for scientists to engage in research, share their findings, and collaborate with others in the scientific community. This commitment to contributing to science underscores the idea that scientific knowledge is a collective endeavor, built upon the contributions of countless individuals across time and disciplines.

Moreover, Brecht's quote suggests that the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake is the ultimate purpose of science. By framing science as obeying only one commandment, he underscores the idea that the intrinsic value of scientific exploration lies in its potential to uncover new truths about the natural world and the universe. This perspective contrasts with the notion of science being driven solely by external motives or agendas, emphasizing instead the pure pursuit of understanding.

In addition, Brecht's quote can be interpreted as a call to action for individuals involved in scientific research. By emphasizing the singular commandment of contributing to science, he may be urging scientists to prioritize the advancement of knowledge over personal gain or other external pressures. This perspective aligns with the ideal of scientific integrity and the ethical responsibility of researchers to uphold the principles of honesty, transparency, and dedication to the pursuit of truth.

Furthermore, the quote reflects Brecht's broader interest in the social and ethical implications of scientific progress. Throughout his work, Brecht often critiqued the ways in which science and technology intersect with power dynamics, social inequality, and political ideologies. By framing science as bound by the commandment to contribute to its own advancement, he may be drawing attention to the ethical responsibilities of scientists to consider the broader impacts of their work on society and the environment.

In conclusion, Bertolt Brecht's quote "Science knows only one commandment - contribute to science" encapsulates his view of the purpose and responsibility of scientific inquiry. By emphasizing the singular focus of science on the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of human understanding, he underscores the intrinsic value of scientific exploration and the ethical imperative for scientists to contribute to the collective body of knowledge. This quote serves as a reminder of the fundamental ethos of scientific inquiry and the enduring commitment to uncovering new truths about the natural world and the universe.