Legendary Folk Singer & Activist Pete Seeger Turns 90, Thousands Turn Out for All-Star Tribute Featuring Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Bernice Johnson Reagon and Dozens More

"REPORTER: When you were writing “My Dirty Stream,” did you wonder, “Would it work?” Did you ever have doubts that things would get better on the river?

PETE SEEGER: No, I think I figured that sooner or later—I didn’t know it would happen so soon, frankly. But if the human race can keep the scientists from inventing two more foolish weapons, I think we’ve got time to solve our problems. The only question is science—scientists have a religion. They think that an infinite increase in empirical information is a good thing. Can they prove it? Of course not. It’s a religious belief. That’s science for you."

Wow, Pete Seeger thinks science is a religion. I'm really disappointed in that statement - well, he is 90. Does he really think that the blame for all the polluted rivers in America can be laid at the feet of science? What is the alternative to "an infinite increase in empirical knowledge"? Is he hoping for the day we finally give up our curious ways and just be happy with ignorance?

Honestly I don't think so - Seeger is too much of a free inquirer himself for me to believe that. Unfortunately, ill thought out comments like this, from one so respected, will give fuel to the truly ignorant that will use his words to further their own ends. The creationists et. al.

I Think I know what he meant - he meant unrestricted, unregulated, unfettered science free from any moral or ethical anchors is a bad thing. which it is of course. But anyone who thinks science is just another religion really doesn't get it. Science looks for truth based on the evidence - religion looks for evidence to support its truths. Partisan politics is a lot like that to - isn't it Pete.