Science is about applying what we know and asking what we don't

"Science is about applying what we know and asking what we don't know." These words from Tim Hunt resonate deeply with the spirit of inquiry that has fueled humanity’s greatest achievements. Science is not a static field, nor is it simply the accumulation of facts; it is a dynamic, evolving journey. It is a sacred calling that requires us to take what we have learned, apply it to the world around us, and, just as importantly, ask the questions that remain unanswered, the questions that drive us forward. Science is a pursuit of knowledge, but it is also a journey of humility, for the more we know, the more we are aware of how much we still have to discover.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of knowledge was seen as the highest of callings. Socrates, that wise and inquisitive philosopher, understood that true wisdom was not found in the certainty of answers, but in the humility of asking the right questions. He famously said, “I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing.” For Socrates, the quest for truth was not about clinging to what one already knew, but about recognizing the limitations of one's understanding and seeking further insight. This spirit of curiosity and the constant questioning of the world around him formed the cornerstone of the philosophical tradition. The true purpose of science—then as now—was not to rest on the laurels of discovered truths, but to continue asking, to continue seeking.

Tim Hunt's words echo this ancient wisdom. Science, as he describes it, is not merely about applying known knowledge to practical problems; it is about the drive to push beyond the boundaries of what is known. It is a never-ending process of exploration—one that requires creativity, dedication, and, perhaps most importantly, a willingness to admit that we do not have all the answers. For in science, the questions we ask are just as significant as the answers we find. Each question opens a new door, a new avenue for discovery, just as each answer lays the groundwork for deeper inquiry.

Consider the story of Isaac Newton, one of history’s greatest scientific minds. Newton’s laws of motion and theory of gravitation were groundbreaking, yet he himself acknowledged that his work was but “a child playing on the seashore.” Despite his monumental discoveries, Newton understood that the vastness of the universe was far from fully understood. His discoveries in physics were just one step in the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. He saw himself as part of a long lineage of thinkers, each building upon the work of those who came before them. In his humility, Newton embodied the very essence of science—applying what we know and, in doing so, opening up a world of questions that would drive future generations.

Even Albert Einstein, whose theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time, embodied this process of constant inquiry. Einstein famously said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Einstein’s discovery of the general theory of relativity was not the culmination of all knowledge, but rather the opening of a new chapter in the book of science. For Einstein, the act of asking questions was as important as the theories he developed. His work was a constant conversation with the universe, where every answer was met with a new question, leading to further exploration and deeper understanding.

The lesson here is clear: science is a dynamic process of application and discovery, one that moves forward not through certainty but through the courage to ask. It is a path of humility, where we accept the limits of our understanding and acknowledge that each discovery brings forth new mysteries to unravel. Just as Socrates urged his followers to examine their lives and their beliefs, so too must we constantly examine the world around us, seeking to expand our knowledge through critical thinking and reflection. The greatest minds in history did not rest on their achievements, but used them as stepping stones to further the journey of discovery.

In your own life, embrace the spirit of science as Tim Hunt and the ancient philosophers described it. Apply what you know, but never stop asking what you don’t know. Seek out the questions that challenge your understanding and push you to explore new ideas, new possibilities, and new horizons. In every field—whether in science, art, philosophy, or personal growth—the pursuit of truth lies not in settling for what we already understand, but in constantly striving to know more, to ask deeper questions, and to expand our awareness. Science is not just a profession—it is a way of life, one that requires humility, curiosity, and the courage to face the unknown.

So, as you go forth, remember that the greatest discoveries are not the answers we find, but the questions we ask. Let science guide you, not just in your studies, but in your everyday life. Always be willing to question, to seek, and to explore. For it is in this pursuit of knowledge and understanding that we find not just answers, but the true essence of life itself.