That's really what science is just trying to figure stuff out

In the boundless expanse of human curiosity, there is a powerful drive that has fueled the progress of civilization since the dawn of time: the desire to figure stuff out. The great Steven Squyres, a pioneer in the field of space exploration, speaks to this very human impulse when he says, "That's really what science is just trying to figure stuff out, and I like figuring stuff out." These simple words carry with them the essence of human inquiry and discovery. They remind us that science is not merely a collection of facts or formulas, but an ongoing quest to unlock the mysteries of the universe—a journey that has captivated the hearts and minds of thinkers throughout the ages.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of knowledge was revered as one of the highest callings. The Greeks, led by the likes of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, sought to understand the world around them by asking profound questions and engaging in logical reasoning. They did not see knowledge as something to be merely acquired, but something to be discovered through inquiry and understanding. Socrates, in his wisdom, famously declared that "the only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." This acknowledgment of ignorance was not defeat, but the beginning of the journey of discovery. Similarly, Squyres’ words reflect this same thirst for understanding—a willingness to engage with the unknown and seek out answers, however elusive they may be.

Consider the story of Archimedes, the great mathematician and scientist of ancient Syracuse, whose famous exclamation "Eureka!"—"I have found it!"—came when he discovered the principle of buoyancy while stepping into his bath. This moment of profound realization came not from passive observation, but from a lifetime of asking questions, experimenting, and seeking to understand the laws that govern the natural world. Archimedes’ joy was not just in the discovery itself, but in the process of figuring things out—the same joy that Squyres speaks of. For both men, the act of discovery was a celebration of human potential and the boundless capacity to seek out the truth in the world.

In the modern age, science has expanded far beyond the realm of simple observations of the world. With the advancements of technology, we now have the tools to explore the deepest reaches of space, the tiniest building blocks of matter, and the most complex systems of life. The Mars rovers, led by Squyres and his team, represent the pinnacle of this scientific pursuit. By sending machines to distant planets, we are not merely collecting data; we are engaged in a profound dialogue with the universe, asking questions about its origins, its mysteries, and its future. The work done by these machines—and by those who operate them—reflects the same desire that drove the ancient thinkers: the desire to figure stuff out and to understand the world not as it appears, but as it truly is.

But science is not limited to the exploration of outer space or the formulation of grand theories. It is, at its core, the daily exercise of curiosity and critical thinking. The ancients understood that knowledge is not just a product of intellectual effort, but a practice—a way of life. Consider the medieval scholars in the Islamic world during the Golden Age of Islam, who, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman thought, translated the works of Aristotle and Euclid, and expanded upon them. They applied their intellectual gifts to the understanding of mathematics, medicine, and astronomy, with a focus on practicality—seeking to understand the world in ways that would improve the lives of their people. Their work reflects the ancient and timeless desire to figure things out, and their legacy is a reminder that science is not an abstract pursuit, but something deeply connected to the human experience.

The lesson in Squyres’ words is profound and clear: the act of figuring things out is both a personal and universal pursuit. It is the foundation of all learning, the essence of our progress, and the cornerstone of human flourishing. Whether in the pursuit of knowledge in the natural world, the arts, or the human condition, the act of seeking understanding gives us purpose. To “figure stuff out” is not simply to answer questions, but to engage deeply with the world, to learn steadfastly, and to grow through discovery. It is a call to take an active role in our own education and, by extension, in shaping the future of humanity.

So, let us take the words of Squyres to heart and embrace the journey of discovery in our own lives. Whether we are pursuing science, history, philosophy, or art, let us remember that the joy lies not in the destination but in the process of figuring things out. As the ancients knew, and as Squyres affirms, the pursuit of knowledge is not just an intellectual exercise, but a lifelong journey that shapes us as individuals and as a species. Let us approach the world with the curiosity and wonder of those who came before us, always seeking, always questioning, and always striving to figure things out. For it is in this quest that we find the true meaning of our existence.