An old man on a train

There is a story about an event that occurred in 1892, which tells the following:

An elderly man was traveling by train, passing the time reading a book. Next to him was a young university student, also reading a thick science book. Suddenly, the young man noticed that the book the elderly man was reading was a Bible. Without much ceremony, the young man asked:

Do you still believe in that book full of fables and stories?

"Yes, of course," the old man replied, "but this is not a book of stories or fables, it is the Word of God... Do you think I am wrong?"

Of course you're wrong... I think you, sir, should dedicate yourself to studying Science and World History... You would see how the French Revolution, which happened more than 100 years ago, revealed the shortsightedness, stupidity, and lies of religion... Only uncultured people or fanatics still believe in such nonsense...

You, sir, should learn a little more about what scientists say about these things...

- And tell me, young man, is that what our scientists say about the Bible?

- Look, since I'm getting off at the next station, I don't have time to explain, but leave me your card with your address so I can send you some scientific material by mail. That way you can learn a little about the issues that really matter to the world.

The old man then, with great patience, carefully opened his coat pocket and gave his card to the young university student...

When the young man read what it said there, he left with his head down and a lost look, feeling ashamed.

The card said:

Professor Dr. Louis Pasteur, Director General, National Institute for Scientific Research, France.

Let us remember that Louis Pasteur, born in France on December 27, 1822, was a chemist, bacteriologist, physicist, and mathematician. He made important discoveries in the fields of chemistry and microbiology. The term pasteurization, the elimination of germs in food by raising the temperature for a short time, is due to this genius of humanity, who was characterized by his humility. He is also credited with laying the foundations of scientific medicine when he established that diseases are the visible effect (signs and symptoms) of a cause that must be sought and eliminated through specific treatment. Another great contribution of Pasteur to science was the discovery of fermentation. With the help of his microscope, he demonstrated that two types of yeast were responsible for producing alcohol and lactic acid in the winemaking process. Today, fermentation is an important process widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.