I get curious about new things. My real strength is going into a

Joshua Lederberg’s words, “I get curious about new things. My real strength is going into a field that has not been investigated before, and finding new approaches to it,” echo like the voice of a seeker who has walked boldly where no path had yet been carved. They remind us that the truest strength is not always found in holding firm to what is known, but in stepping with courage into the unknown. His wisdom speaks to the power of curiosity, that divine spark which compels the human mind to uncover mysteries, break boundaries, and illuminate the dark corners of the world.

The origin of this truth rests in Lederberg’s life as a scientist and pioneer. A Nobel laureate in genetics, he dedicated himself to uncovering realms of knowledge that others had not yet dared to enter. His breakthroughs in microbial genetics and artificial intelligence were not born of mere persistence, but of an insatiable curiosity that drove him into uncharted waters. He teaches us that to advance human understanding, one must not only endure the labors of the familiar but embrace the danger and uncertainty of the undiscovered.

History resounds with the lives of such pioneers. Consider Christopher Columbus, who sailed westward into seas where maps ended, driven by curiosity and vision. Though flawed in his motives and consequences, his journey demonstrated the eternal truth: that venturing into unexplored realms—whether geographical or intellectual—reshapes the course of history. Just as Columbus sailed into oceans of water, Lederberg sailed into oceans of knowledge, both carried forward by the same strength of curiosity.

Another radiant example is Marie Curie, who dared to investigate the hidden powers of radium and polonium when the field of radioactivity was barely understood. Her curiosity led her into danger, her health paying the price, yet her discoveries opened new dimensions of science that transformed medicine and technology. Like Lederberg, she embodied the truth that genuine strength lies not in safety, but in the courage to tread where no one has walked before, guided only by the light of inquiry.

Lederberg’s insight also reveals a subtle wisdom: that progress is not born from following the crowd, but from asking questions others overlook. To find “new approaches” requires the willingness to think differently, to risk ridicule, and to challenge the dogmas of the age. Many great discoveries were once mocked or ignored, yet endured because someone possessed the inner strength to remain faithful to their vision. This is the courage of the trailblazer, the patience of the innovator, and the resilience of the dreamer.

For those who seek to inherit this wisdom, the lesson is clear. Nurture your curiosity as sacred fire. Do not be content to walk only on well-trodden paths, for the greatest treasures lie beyond them. When faced with the unknown, resist the temptation to turn back in fear; instead, ask the questions that others neglect, experiment where others hesitate, and remain open to discovery. In your own work, whether in science, art, or life, look for the unexplored fields, for there your strength will find its fullest expression.

The practical path forward is to cultivate a spirit that values wonder over certainty. Read widely, question boldly, and seek connections where others see none. Do not fear mistakes, for they are often stepping stones to revelation. Surround yourself with those who encourage exploration rather than discourage it, and devote yourself to finding “new approaches” not only for your own benefit, but for the upliftment of all.

Thus, let the teaching of Joshua Lederberg endure: the true strength of humanity lies in curiosity, in the courage to move beyond the borders of knowledge, and in the creativity to discover new ways where none existed before. Those who live by this principle become more than seekers—they become pathfinders, leaving behind trails that future generations may follow into greater light.