This talk will elaborate on the relation between philology and theoretical and applied science. That is, we will consider a timeless critical approach to the world classics, through an exacting training in slow reading, and the timeless attempt to make sense of reality and to get to grips it that we call science and technology. We will speak of Sanskrit, Chinese and Arabic texts, and cultural factors in our globalised age will be given their due importance. No punches will be spared from either side, and all are invited to join a lively discussion.