How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian...? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking and doing experiments?
Becoming a scientist, economist, or historian does not simply involve reading many books on the subject. While reading can open up the world of a subject, merely collecting information or making a neat display is not enough to succeed.
It definitely involves observing, thinking, and doing experiments. When Ebright simply displayed slides of frog tissues at a science fair, he lost because he hadn't done a real experiment. He realized that to truly engage with a subject, one must actively experiment and seek feedback rather than just observe passively.
The essential ingredients for becoming a professional include starting with a first-rate mind, adding curiosity, and mixing in the will to win for the right reasons. This means a person should want to do the best job they can because they are driven by genuine interest, not just for the sake of winning a prize.
Ultimately, it is this scientific curiosity combined with the drive to perform real experiments that makes a true scientist. Reading is just the beginning; observing, thinking, and experimenting are what transform knowledge into actual achievement.
Explanation
The question directly relates to the core theme of the chapter 'The Making of a Scientist'. The text explicitly states the ingredients needed to become a scientist: a first-rate mind, curiosity, and the will to win for the right reasons. It also highlights through Ebright's science fair experience that simply reading books and making a 'neat display' is insufficient; one must conduct 'real experiments' to truly practice science. The answer synthesizes these points to address all parts of the prompt.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Address whether reading books is enough (No, it is just a starting point to open up the world of a subject).
Step 2: Explain the necessity of experiments using Ebright's science fair experience as proof (He lost by just displaying slides; winners did real experiments).
Step 3: List the specific ingredients required to become a scientist as mentioned in the text (first-rate mind, curiosity, will to win for the right reasons).
Step 4: Conclude by emphasizing that scientific curiosity and real experiments are what truly make a scientist, going beyond passive observation or reading.