The Scientific Temper

In the world of science, the standard measure of superior performance is the Nobel Prize. How is it that one qualifies for such recognition? Mr. H.A. Krebs, a Nobel Prize winner himself, has made a study of what goes into the making of a great scientist. To him, what is more important than having access to well-equipped laboratories and up-to-date libraries, is to have been fortunate enough to have benefited for some time from the company of a great scientist. He says that if he had not spent time in the company of a scientist of the stature of Otoberg, it is extremely unlikely that he would have cultivated a truly scientific outlook.

Krebs is not alone in holding this view. Many other great scientists have felt that the company of a great scholar plays a major role in developing scientific tastes. The main point about such company is not just that it serves as an enormous source of scientific facts and figures—for such data is obtainable in so many other ways—but that it affords opportunities for the transference of a special attitude of mind from the great man to his students, which Krebs appropriately calls ‘a general scientific spirit’. It is this distinctive outlook which is the mark of the true scholar.

He writes, moreover, that his attitude must be marked by humility and enthusiasm, for these two virtues are the greatest stepping stones to the heights of progress. Enthusiasm spurs on, it excites feelings of curiosity and stimulates one to search unflaggingly for the truth. The search in itself is a wonderful activity, but greatness will elude the seeker if he does not humble himself before the superior reality. A person who recognizes that his existence and endeavour are on a lower plane, will be willing to admit his mistakes immediately—an indispensable trait in a true scientist. In confessing his shortcomings, he risks no loss of dignity, for a person of true scientific vision holds the truth to be above all things.