People often ask me why I persisted in doing research on a subject that was so controversial. I frequently respond by telling them that only a few scientists are granted the great fortune to pursue topics that are so new and different that only a small number of people can grasp the meaning of such discoveries initially.
Interpretation
Persistence in controversial research can lead to groundbreaking discoveries despite initial skepticism.
In this quote, Stanley B. Prusiner reflects on the value of perseverance in scientific research, especially when the subjects tackled are controversial or difficult for others to understand. He highlights the privilege that comes with working on novel topics, emphasizing that while the journey may be met with doubt, the potential for significant contributions to knowledge makes it worthwhile.
In practice
In a speech about career choices at a science fair, to inspire students to pursue challenging topics.
While it is quite reasonable for scientists to be skeptical of new ideas that do not fit within the accepted realm of scientific knowledge, the best science often emerges from situations where results carefully obtained do not fit within the accepted paradigms.
There may be aliens in our Milky Way galaxy, and there are billions of other galaxies. The probability is almost certain that there is life somewhere in space.
Many investigators feel uneasy stating in public that the origin of life is a mystery, even though behind closed doors they admit they are baffled.
Science affects the average man and woman in two ways already. He or she benefits by its application driving a motor-car or omnibus instead of a horse-drawn vehicle, being treated for disease by a doctor or surgeon rather than a witch, and being killed with an automatic pistol or shell in place of a dagger or a battle-axe.
The sciences throw an inexpressible grace over our compositions, even where they are not immediately concerned; as their effects are discernible where we least expect to find them.
As a Christian, but also as a scientist responsible for overseeing the Human Genome Project, one of my concerns has been the limits on applications of our understanding of the genome. Should there be limits? I think there should. I think the public has expressed their concern about ways this information might be misused.
A good science fiction story is a story with a human problem, and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its science content.
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