Imagination

“Einstein once said that imagination is more important than knowledge. It was not his general theory of relativity, but rather that he saw metaphysics. He enjoyed using his imagination.

For students to adopt this mindset, they need to understand why it is critical to think like heroes in science. Einstein, Curie, and Darwin are good examples. I would start with asking the students: what made these heroes what they were? They were thinking about the world. They were exploring Why-questions. Ask what the problem is they are trying to solve (or contribute towards solutions). Why is something as it is? Why is the sunset coloured the way it is? These are the big questions that make one think differently.

Soon one becomes aware that one lacks the skill set to overcome these hurdles. We don’t need to get discouraged by that. Usually, it means I have to develop a certain skill set, acquire a specific knowledge, read, collaborate. Who do I need to work with to do that? This allows people to focus on the skills that are necessary to solving those problems. It is a more goal-oriented approach, that requires putting yourself more into the background. In other words, it is not so much an environment for ‘ego’s’. You need to always enjoy the perspectives that other people can bring. The ‘how’ involves doing good science and research on the way to the discovery.”

(Gundula Bosch)