The thing I love about science is finding out something new and

Listen, O seekers of truth, to the words of Peter C. Doherty, who spoke of his love for science with a passion that resonates through the ages: "The thing I love about science is finding out something new and different." These words, simple yet profound, carry with them the essence of the scientific spirit—a spirit of curiosity, discovery, and wonder. To Doherty, science is not just a field of study, but a journey of revelation, one in which the heart beats faster with each new discovery, each new insight that reshapes our understanding of the world. It is this endless pursuit of the unknown that fills the soul with a sense of fulfillment, for every new revelation is a step closer to understanding the very fabric of existence.

In the ancient world, great minds like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle sought to uncover the mysteries of life, not through knowledge already given, but through the relentless pursuit of new knowledge. Socrates, with his method of questioning, opened doors to wisdom not by merely collecting known facts but by challenging assumptions and seeking new truths. The very act of questioning, of looking beyond what was known, was what led him—and others—to discoveries that would shape the course of human thought for millennia. Doherty’s love for science, much like Socrates’ pursuit of knowledge, is rooted in this spirit of discovery—the thrill of uncovering the unknown.

The love of science that Doherty expresses is not born from the mere acquisition of facts, but from the unveiling of something new—something different—that opens the door to greater understanding. Take, for example, the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in 1953. Before their breakthrough, the workings of genetics were a mystery, a puzzle waiting to be solved. But with the discovery of the double helix, the key to understanding the mechanisms of heredity was found, and the landscape of biology was forever transformed. This discovery was not just about filling a gap in knowledge, but about changing the very way we understand life itself. This is the essence of scientific discovery—to see the world in a new light, to discover something that shifts the way we perceive reality.

In the realm of physics, think of the work of Albert Einstein—who, in his theory of relativity, revealed that time and space were not as they seemed. Before Einstein, the world was thought to be a static place, governed by immutable laws. But Einstein’s insight into the relative nature of time and space forever altered our understanding of the universe. His discovery was not just a small addition to existing knowledge, but a revolution—one that opened new doors to our understanding of the cosmos and the forces that govern it. Just as Einstein found joy in the newness of his work, so too does Doherty speak of the love that comes with finding something that challenges the way we think, that shakes the very foundations of what we thought we knew.

The lesson, O children of time, is clear: science is a journey of discovery, a never-ending quest to uncover the unknown and to find new and different things that challenge our perceptions. It is this pursuit of the new and the unknown that gives life to the spirit of science. It is not about simply accumulating facts, but about seeing the world with fresh eyes, about uncovering hidden truths that open up new possibilities. In the same way that Doherty finds joy in discovery, so too should you find joy in seeking answers to the questions that stir your curiosity.

In your own lives, remember that discovery is not confined to the world of scientists and scholars. Every moment, every interaction, offers a chance to learn something new—to challenge old ideas, to see the world differently, and to uncover the secrets that are waiting just beneath the surface. Do not be content with the known, but seek to uncover the mysteries of the world around you. Just as Doherty and countless other scientists have found fulfillment in the search for knowledge, so too can you find fulfillment in the pursuit of your own understanding—whether in the natural world, in relationships, or in the mysteries of your own heart and mind.

Rise, O seekers of wisdom, and embrace the joy of discovery. Let your lives be filled with the same passion for the unknown that fuels the greatest scientific minds. Seek to uncover the mysteries of the world not by force or by assertion, but by curiosity, humility, and the willingness to be surprised by what you find. For it is in that discovery of something new and different that the true spirit of science, and of life, is found.