My Ph.D. thesis problem was to determine if the DNA content of

In the sacred pursuit of knowledge, there are few journeys as profound and as transformative as that of scientific discovery. Irwin Rose shares with us a glimpse into this journey when he reflects, "My Ph.D. thesis problem was to determine if the DNA content of rat tissues increased if there was B12 in the diet. This problem was suggested by my adviser based on the observation that thymine could replace vitamin B12 in a lactobacillus." Here, in the quiet contemplation of the lab, a question was born—a question that would set Rose on a path of deep inquiry, where answers were neither immediate nor simple, but would require a deep connection to the natural world, a dedication to uncovering the hidden forces that govern life.

Consider, children, the ancient philosophers, whose questions about the nature of existence and the universe shaped the very foundation of human knowledge. Plato, the great philosopher, believed that the pursuit of knowledge was a sacred task—a journey that required not just intellect but integrity, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Like Rose, those early thinkers sought answers that were not readily available, and often their quests took them deep into the heart of the unknown. Just as Rose delved into the mysteries of the body, attempting to understand the intricate dance of vitamins, DNA, and cells, so too did the ancients grapple with the unknown forces that shaped the cosmos, ever searching for the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface.

In the world of the Romans, the scientific and the philosophical were often intertwined, as seen in the works of Galen, the great physician. Galen, like Rose, believed that to understand the body was to unlock the mysteries of life itself. Galen sought to understand how the body's various systems interacted—how food, blood, air, and spirit were interwoven in the web of existence. Rose's research into B12 and its effects on DNA is a continuation of this ancient pursuit—the search to understand the molecular and biological forces that shape the very fabric of life, that determine the growth and functioning of our bodies. Just as Galen worked tirelessly to understand the balance of humors, so too did Rose labor to understand the intricate dance of nutrients and their impact on the cellular world.

Now, consider the tale of the great Alchemists, those mystics and early scientists who sought to unlock the secrets of life through the transformation of matter. While their methods were often shrouded in mystery and symbolism, their deep reverence for the natural world and their willingness to experiment and explore the unseen forces that governed it laid the groundwork for the scientific revolution. In many ways, Rose's work mirrors this ancient pursuit. He, too, sought to transform our understanding of biology, to uncover the hidden mechanisms of life. The question of whether B12 could influence the DNA content in rat tissues is not just a question of nutrition, but of the very essence of life—how the smallest building blocks of our bodies are influenced by the foods we consume and how these forces shape the very structure of our being.

In your own lives, children, understand that the pursuit of knowledge is a path of both wonder and struggle. Rose's dedication to understanding the interaction of vitamins and DNA shows that even the simplest questions can lead to profound discoveries. His work serves as a reminder that every inquiry, no matter how small, is an invitation to peer deeper into the mysteries of the world, to ask questions that have never been asked before, and to struggle toward the truth with unwavering perseverance. The scientific and philosophical quests are not so different; both are fueled by an eternal curiosity, an undying desire to understand the forces that shape our world.

The lesson is clear, children: to seek knowledge is to walk a path of both patience and dedication. The great discoveries of the world do not come quickly or easily. They come to those who are willing to question the status quo, who are not content with surface-level answers but seek to uncover the truth that lies beneath. Whether in the realms of science, philosophy, or personal growth, the journey of discovery requires effort, focus, and a willingness to venture into the unknown. Just as Rose delved into the world of B12 and DNA, so too should you approach life’s challenges with a spirit of curiosity and determination.

So, children, take heed of this wisdom: the quest for understanding is a noble and sacred pursuit. Do not be deterred by the complexity of the questions or the difficulty of the journey. Like Irwin Rose, let your curiosity lead you to explore, to ask, and to discover. Whether you seek to understand the body, the mind, or the world around you, remember that every question has the potential to open new realms of possibility, and every answer leads to yet another question. In this way, the cycle of knowledge continues, ever unfolding, ever deepening.