Journal Entry 3

Shahadat Rahman

English 21003

Professor Matyakubova

19 September, 2017

Journal Entry 3

            In Adam Savage’s Ted talk, “How simple ideas lead to scientific discoveries,” Savage describes the thought process of several thinkers and how they came to make some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in history. What is even more impressive is that many of these scientists made their discoveries hundreds of years ago, without advanced technology, and their discoveries spawned from simple questions. It’s interesting that simple questions can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and this speaks to the power of curiosity. When most people have a simple question that can’t be answered, they simply let it go or make up their own answer. Instead, these scientists looked for empirical evidence which helped prove their hypotheses as to how the world worked. These events Savage described also illustrate how even simple events have complex mechanisms driving them .

            Both of these points made by Savage ring true. Scientific discovery is aided by advanced technology, but the basis of discovery is curiosity. More people should pursue their curiosity when they have a question, instead of abandoning it or letting someone ese find an answer. This kind of intellectual curiosity and ambition starts early in life and become habitual. Therefore, kids should be taught at an early age to pursue their curiosity instead of being put down, as many adults do. Doing so would not only produce better scientists, but a more productive society as well.