Big Think Why we explore, even when there’s no payoff
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Oct 31, 2025 Astrobiologist Betül Kaçar emphasizes that science thrives on curiosity rather than clear outcomes. She highlights how historical breakthroughs often arise from niche interests pursued purely for knowledge. Kaçar believes the quest for understanding is a deeply human trait, celebrating the beauty of questions that drive exploration. The discussion dives into how the desire for insight can lead to unexpected discoveries, reinforcing the idea that the journey of learning is just as valuable as the answers.
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Curiosity Is A Legitimate Scientific Goal
- Science doesn't always need an immediate practical purpose; curiosity-driven questions are valid on their own.
- Many major discoveries emerged from asking questions purely to understand the world.
From Hot Springs To Faster Tests
- Kaçar uses the example of thermostable enzymes from Yellowstone microbes that enabled faster medical tests.
- Researchers found thermophiles by asking what lives in hot springs and then repurposed their enzymes for human use.
Patience Powers Scientific Progress
- Exploration without immediate payoff is central to human nature and scientific progress.
- Patience and a childlike desire to know underpin the method of science and long-term benefits.