In pursuit of ignorance (TED)

“Allow yourself the uncomfortable luxury of changing your mind.” -Maria Popova

Too often, scientists and academics believe that their word is the be-all and end-all.  Unfortunately, in this day and age there is too much for one person to know.  It is for this reason that I doubt there will ever be another Renaissance man along the vein of Thomas Jefferson or Leonardo da Vinci.  It's impossible!

Columbia University professor Stuart Firestein, PhD argues in this TED talk (below) that ignorance fuels progress; certainty stymies it.  He points out that a lot of formal education may fuel this attitude of believing that we know everything about everything.

This is a great reminder to keep my mind open and to continue adding to my meager knowledge.  Onward ho!