To a synthetic chemist, the complex molecules of nature are as beautiful as any of her other creations. The perception of that beauty depends on the understanding of chemical structures and their transformations, and, as with a treasured work of art, deepens as the subject is studied, perhaps even to a level approaching romance.
Interpretation
The beauty of nature's complex molecules is appreciated through understanding their chemical structures.
Elias James Corey emphasizes that the beauty found in the complex molecules of nature is akin to that found in art, revealing itself through a deep understanding of chemistry. This appreciation not only highlights the intricate designs and transformations of these molecules but also suggests that such beauty may evoke strong emotional responses, comparable to the feelings stirred by art, as one delves deeper into the study of chemistry.
In practice
In a speech about scientific discoveries, this quote could highlight the intersection of science and aesthetics.
To the field of synthetic chemistry belongs an array of responsibilities which are crucial for the future of mankind, not only with regard to the health and needs of our society, but also for the attainment of a deep understanding of matter, chemical change, and life.
Science is often misrepresented as "the body of knowledge acquired by performing replicated controlled experiments in the laboratory." Actually, science is something broader: the acquisition of reliable knowledge about the world.
Go out and collect data and, instead of having the answer, just look at the data and see if the data tells you anything. When we're allowed to do this with companies, it's almost magical.
I do not remember how it got into my head to make the first calculations related to rocket. It seems to me the first seeds were planted by famous fantaseour, J. Verne.
Scientific facts are often described in textbooks as if they just sort of exist, like nickels someone picked up on the street. But science at the cutting edge, conducted by sharp minds probing deep into nature, is not about self-evident facts. It is about mystery and not knowing. It is about taking huge risks.
One day the world will look upon research upon animals as it now looks upon research on human beings.
I try to show the public that chemistry, biology, physics, astrophysics is life. It is not some separate subject that you have to be pulled into a corner to be taught about.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.