“The scientific career has been called a carnivorous god. Perhaps more appropriately it may at times appear a soul-devouring god. However, by no means does it need to take on this aspect. Whatever dangers personal weaknesses and social pressures may present to the investigator, he can rise above them. He can retain the enthusiasm of youth which led him to contemplate the mysteries of the universe. He can remain grateful for the extraordinary privilege of participating in their exploration. He can incessantly find delight in the discoveries made by other men those of the past and those of his own times. And he can learn the difficult lesson that the journey itself and not only the great conquest is a fulfillment of human life.”

– Curt Stern: Thoughts on Research. Science, 1965