Research: The Guarded Excitement of Discovery

Working in both the sciences and the performing arts brings about a challenge not often appreciated – the dichotomy of how you conduct and present your work in these two areas. There are two distinct cultures that need to be understood. In the simplest terms, in science you understate your work, whereas in the performing arts you overstate it. Bravado is highly appreciated in the arts. It results in high levels of emotion and gratification, generally with applause and shouts of joy. A good artist will sing or play “Mary had a Little Lamb” as though it were Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. To the contrary, bravado is shunned by respected scientists. A brilliant discovery is introduced with little fanfare, to be slowly and gradually tested and appreciated. A good scientist may explain a new theory with the simplicity of “Mary had a Little Lamb”, but all along the enthusiasm is dampened by many caveats and limitations.