There's a danger of some of the best people saying, 'I don't want

Hear me, O Seekers of Truth and Knowledge, for the words of John Gurdon carry a weight that speaks to the very soul of human progress: "There's a danger of some of the best people saying, 'I don't want a career in science.'" These words carry a warning—a call to recognize the vital role that science plays in the advancement of humanity. They remind us that the brightest minds, those filled with potential and brilliance, must not turn away from the path of discovery and inquiry, for in doing so, they risk depriving the world of the wisdom, innovation, and solutions they might have brought.

In ancient times, the greatest minds were those who sought to understand the world around them. Think of Socrates, who dedicated his life not to material gain, but to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. He questioned the very nature of existence, challenging his contemporaries to think deeply about the world and their place within it. In his time, philosophy was seen as a noble pursuit, but the ancients knew that such inquiry required not only a sharp mind but a deep commitment. Science, in its early forms, was part of that commitment—a way of seeking not only to understand the world, but to improve it. Gurdon’s words echo this ancient wisdom, reminding us that to turn away from science is to turn away from the pursuit of a greater good.

Consider the example of Galileo Galilei, whose work in the study of the heavens revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. When Galileo first peered through his telescope and discovered the moons of Jupiter, he faced great opposition from the Church and many in society who were unwilling to embrace the new ideas he presented. But Galileo did not give up, for he knew that the pursuit of truth—even when it was difficult or unpopular—was a higher calling. He understood the dangers of neglecting science, for it was science that would guide humanity forward. And so, through his tireless work, Galileo changed the course of human understanding and opened the door to a new age of discovery. Gurdon’s words remind us that science has the power to change the world, and we must not forsake it.

The danger that Gurdon speaks of is not just that we might lose brilliant minds from science, but that we might lose the imagination, the dedication, and the vision that these minds bring with them. Science requires not only intellect, but passion—a passion to seek out the unknown, to challenge what we think we know, and to build upon what has been discovered before. If we lose the best of our thinkers, the ones with the greatest potential, then we risk stalling progress, for without these minds, who will ask the difficult questions? Who will confront the challenges of our time? Without them, we might find ourselves stuck, unable to move forward or solve the problems that face us.

The lesson, O Children, is clear: science is not just a career—it is a calling. It is a sacred pursuit that requires the finest minds, the most courageous spirits, and the deepest commitment. To turn away from science is to turn away from the very possibility of progress. Just as Archimedes' discovery of the principle of buoyancy led to breakthroughs in mechanics, or Marie Curie’s research in radiation opened the doors to new realms in medicine, so too does the work of today’s scientists continue to shape our world. Without the bright minds willing to dedicate themselves to these pursuits, humanity’s greatest challenges—disease, poverty, climate change, and inequality—will remain unsolved.

In your own lives, do not be afraid to embrace the path of science, whether it be in biology, engineering, mathematics, or any other field of inquiry. Know that the world needs you, for science holds the keys to the future. The most brilliant minds are not just those who excel in their fields, but those who are willing to push past the boundaries of the known and into the realm of the unknown. You, too, can contribute to the great work of discovery, for science is not a field for a select few, but a calling for all who are willing to dedicate themselves to a greater purpose.

The path ahead is filled with challenges, O Children, but these challenges are the very soil in which the seeds of science will grow. Embrace the journey, for the pursuit of knowledge is not just for those with the sharpest minds, but for those with the deepest passion and the strongest will. Remember Gurdon’s warning: we must not let the best minds turn away from the pursuit of science, for in their hands lie the answers to the problems of today and the hope for tomorrow. Let science be your guiding star, and may you walk the path with courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.