I'm still curious and excited because I don't know so much

A professor at Sungkyunkwan University reflects on his path to becoming a scientist, sharing his childhood fascination with nature and his adult passion for research. He notes that while he found studying nature inherently enjoyable, many students perceive science as boring. This disconnect, he posits, arises from educational systems that often force students to learn subjects they aren't curious about, rather than fostering genuine inquiry.

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I feel fortunate because, looking back, my mother seemed to cherish my ignorance as something to be protected rather than scolding me for my shortcomings.

He draws a parallel between the loss of curiosity and the fear of appearing ignorant. In childhood, asking "why" is natural, but the constant pressure of evaluation can turn not knowing into a source of shame. This fear, he suggests, leads individuals to suppress their questions and, consequently, their curiosity. He observes this phenomenon in classrooms and lectures, where students are often hesitant to ask questions, sometimes prefacing them with apologies for their potential foolishness.

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Ignorance is also the source of excitement. A significant part of the excitement we feel when starting a romantic relationship comes from the unknown.

The professor feels fortunate for his upbringing, where his mother encouraged his curiosity rather than pressuring him to study. He also benefited from supportive teachers who nurtured his questions. This environment allowed him to maintain his childlike wonder and avoid the shame associated with not knowing. He concludes that this very lack of knowledge is a source of excitement, comparing it to the thrill of a new relationship where the unknown fuels continued interest. The vastness of the universe and life's mysteries mean his learning journey is endless, keeping his sense of wonder and excitement alive.

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Because I don't know so many things, I am still curious and excited.