Historically Speaking, Most Scientists Are Morons… part 1 of 2
But at least they are inconsistent about it… 7 examples from history
History is not very kind to scientists. Perhaps in retaliation, most scientists choose not to notice. Or perhaps that is the problem? Scientists, to stereotype horribly, tend to be incredibly focused individuals whose lives are dominated by their subject of choice. There is little time for any great attention to history and seemingly less so to learn from it.
What would history teach them? For starters, it would show them they are probably wrong. Almost every theory of science is eventually rewritten by a better one only a few decades later. Not every theory mind you. If it was truly every one, there would be little incentive to try. Of course, if scientist took more notice of just how wrong they have been, they might be less incented as well.
From that vantage point, scientists have a lot in common with entrepreneurs. They take out-sized career risks in a mad attempt for intellectual glory that will likely be wiped away by the next generation of risk takers. Replace intellectual with financial and you have a pretty strong pattern of human innovation… perhaps there is a series here?
So what could they learn?
Assuming that a look at history didn’t scare them off entirely, there is plenty to learn from just the most prominent lessons of scientific history. Consider:
The Theory of Gravity
Scientists can be quite pretentious. Sorry, it is true. There is nothing wrong with taking pride in years of study and hard work. A degree in higher education is great, but now — get over yourself. Newton, unlike many contemporaries, had a similar background to today’s scientists. He was a well educated man and yet — the theory of gravity was inspired by a lowly apple. Some accounts even make the outrageous claim that the tree wasn’t purchased with grant money!
Next up. How many times have you heard an argument where one side noted that some bit of scientific certainty was “just a theory”, then the other party retorts “So is Gravity!”? In fairness, this is more often non-scientists. Regardless, the Theory of Gravity is widely known to be wrong. Alright, maybe that is harsh… the Theory of Gravity is a vast oversimplification that will need to be replaced if we are ever to better understand exactly how it works.
So remember — all science is theoretical and just waiting to be disproved.
Einstein’s Simple Analogy
If you are still salty about that apple thing, Einstein must drive you nuts? Here is a guy who rejected higher education and revolutionized science taking a bubble bath and imagining elevator rides! Einstein was all about simple analogies.
He was not a man prone to pretense or complexity. He was a man who simplified and utilized analogies wonderfully. Many of his theories are still being validated today — but as is often the case, still others are now being overturned. Read more here.
The lesson— analogies are powerful for their simplicity and perspective.
Gregor Mendel’s Fame and Title
Mendel was an educated man as well. In his day, monasteries were the modern equivalent of research universities. Yes, that’s right, the church funded the early discovery of genetics! For those who steadfastly refuse to believe the church ever advanced science, Gregor originally wanted to study heredity in mice but his friar disapproved of observing rodents having sex. So they weren’t completely supportive… or perhaps they just weren’t into rodent voyeurism?
While all that is a bit… odd, so is the rest of Mendel’s story. Popular history (not to be confused with the real thing) has Mendel as a Botanist. It is odd that a botanist’s first choice was mice. He was eventually given the title of “father of genetics” but only long after his death. The closer reality is that Mendel was history’s first geneticist. But if intellectual glory was his goal, it came too late for him to appreciate it.
Fame and title may be the prize, but great science certainly doesn’t require it nor always provide it.
Newton, Einstein, and Mendel are all great examples of scientists who used uncommon (or at least less ‘academic’) paths to garner revolutionary results. But alas, history has also proven some of their theories to be wrong or at least incomplete. Gravity, Physics, and Genetics all continue to evolve and change with human technology and understanding.
There are plenty more examples to draw from more recent history. We have yet to touch on Flat Earth, Plate Tectonics, or Pluto. Look for these and more in part 2 of 2 … available here.
For more on Einstein consider:
