Science grows like a weed every year.

"Science grows like a weed every year." These striking words from Kary Mullis offer a vivid metaphor for the unpredictable and relentless growth of scientific knowledge. Just as a weed may spring up uninvited, taking root and expanding regardless of human will, so too does science continue to evolve and spread beyond the boundaries of our understanding. Mullis captures the dynamic and untamable nature of scientific progress—a force that is always in motion, always expanding, often in ways that are unexpected and uncontrolled. Like a weed, science does not ask for permission to grow; it simply thrives, pushing boundaries, evolving, and sprouting new ideas with every season.

In the ancient world, the concept of growth and knowledge was central to the pursuit of wisdom. The Greeks believed in the power of philosophy and science to shape human understanding. Aristotle, for instance, regarded knowledge as something that grows through careful study, observation, and reasoning. Yet, Aristotle’s worldview was contained by the limitations of his time. His scientific understanding, though revolutionary, was still confined within the scope of what was known in his era. Today, we live in an age where science grows far beyond the pace of even the most brilliant minds. Just as Aristotle laid the foundation for countless branches of knowledge, modern science, like a weed, pushes forth in directions we could never have anticipated.

Mullis’s statement also evokes the very nature of scientific discovery. Like a weed that can grow in the most unlikely places, scientific knowledge often spreads in unexpected ways. Consider the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming. In 1928, Fleming, a humble bacteriologist, accidentally discovered the antibiotic properties of a mold growing in his lab. This serendipitous discovery fundamentally changed the course of medicine, and in a sense, it was the growth of science in a place where it was not planned or expected. Just as weeds can take root in the most unlikely corners of the garden, so too can science flourish in the least expected moments.

Similarly, consider the story of Marie Curie, whose pioneering work with radioactivity was a product of her relentless curiosity and pursuit of knowledge. In a world where women were often excluded from scientific circles, Curie’s discoveries were a testament to the unstoppable growth of science. Her groundbreaking work on radium and polonium changed the course of chemistry and physics, and her relentless pursuit of truth helped shape an entire field. Her work was like a weed growing where convention said it should not, challenging assumptions, breaking new ground, and blooming in the face of adversity.

Mullis's words also evoke the self-perpetuating nature of science. Like a weed that continually reproduces and spreads, scientific knowledge multiplies exponentially over time. Each discovery leads to new questions, new investigations, and new fields of study. The invention of the microscope led to the exploration of the unseen microbial world; the advent of quantum mechanics revealed new dimensions of reality that challenged the very nature of matter and space. As new knowledge is gained, it often raises more questions than it answers, much like a weed that produces seeds, ready to sprout once again, each year growing stronger and more expansive.

The lesson here is clear: science, like a weed, cannot be contained. It grows and spreads regardless of attempts to control it. Each year, it expands, uncovering new territories of knowledge, pushing humanity forward into realms that were once inconceivable. However, just as weeds can overwhelm a garden if not properly managed, so too can the rapid pace of scientific advancement pose challenges. We must guide and steer the growth of science, ensuring that it benefits humanity and does not lead us into unknown dangers. The growth of knowledge should be embraced, but it must also be nurtured with wisdom and responsibility.

In our own lives, we too can embrace the spirit of growth that Mullis speaks of. Just as science grows without asking for permission, we must continue to pursue knowledge, not constrained by the boundaries of what we know, but driven by a relentless curiosity to explore and understand. Whether we are learning new skills, diving deeper into a particular subject, or simply seeking to better understand ourselves and the world around us, we must allow our minds and spirits to grow without limits. Let us embrace the unpredictable nature of learning, understanding that knowledge, like a weed, has the power to flourish in the most unlikely places, and that by nurturing our curiosity, we too can be a part of the ever-expanding world of discovery.

So, let us remember Mullis’s wisdom, that science—like a weed—cannot be held back. Let it grow, let it spread, and let it flourish. But let us also approach it with the care and respect that all growth requires, ensuring that the knowledge we uncover serves to elevate humanity and not overwhelm it. Science, when nurtured with wisdom, holds the potential to bring us closer to truth, to progress, and to the endless wonders that await in the vast garden of knowledge.