What Happened To The Hermit Scientist?
Say “NO” to pseudoscience!
Martin Gardner wrote “The Hermit Scientist” in 1950 as an analysis of how pseudoscience originates and spreads. I just happened to come across this piece recently and was surprised to realise how well it holds even today (unfortunately).
In this essay, I will reflect on how Gardner approached the notion of pseudoscience back in the day. While I am at it, I will also frame the present state of pseudoscience seen through Gardner’s lens as well.
I see this essay being relevant to anyone who makes life decisions based on scientific thinking and scientific methods/proofs. Without any further ado, let us begin.
The Pseudoscience of the 1950s
In “The Hermit Scientist”, Gardner dissects the phenomenon of pseudoscience with a critical and incisive lens. He describes a period where sensational, unverifiable theories spread like wildfire, captivating the imagination of the public, and misguide them in the process.
As a person living in a world 70-odd years after Gardner wrote this article, I have the remarkable benefit of hindsight.
It is interesting to note that in the 1950s era, there were scientists making claims that an adult’s disease roots in the mother’s experiences…
