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.
Science is nothing, but trained and organized common sense.
Remember that all models are wrong; the practical question is how wrong do they have to be to not be useful.
Perhaps... some day the precision of the data will be brought so far that the mathematician will be able to calculate at his desk the outcome of any chemical combination, in the same way, so to speak, as he calculates the motions of celestial bodies.
I think we're just scratching the surface. One of the most exciting aspects of 23andMe is that we're enabling you to watch a revolution unfold live during your lifetime, and I think that the decoding of the genome, in my opinion, is the most fascinating discovery of our lifetime, and you get to be part of it.
The whole language of nature informs us, that in animated beings there is something above our powers of investigation; something which employs, combines, and arranges the gross elements of matter - a spark of celestial fire, by which life is kindled and preserved, and which, if even the instruments it employs are indestructible in their essence, must itself, of necessity, be immortal.
Most institutions demand unqualified faith; but the institution of science makes skepticism a virtue.
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