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Computer programmers can be quite imaginative. The term “bug” itself is a fanciful metaphor. Some programmers have bugs in their programs; others have cuttlefish. When a new lab gets started, it’s important to keep it fueled with enthusiasm, energy, and especially midnight snacks. Some of the most precious things in science – and in life – are the ability to learn for yourself, to tap into your own unique perspective and interests, and to do it with a sense of adventure. Many great and inspired ideas have occurred to thinkers while completely disconnected from their mental task. A long sought-after idea or solution may spontaneously surface during a moment of relaxation and distraction. The naturalist feels an affinity to the myriad products of nature in all their peculiarity and beauty. Each of us being unique, we’re attracted to, or intrigued by a different set of textures, processes, functions, values, and colors of things. These things and combinations affect us in silent and invisible ways, shared across humanity. Scientists and artists become absorbed in their work, forgetting to eat, or losing track of time, place and (when it’s really good) even self. Thrill seekers love to probe the unknown. For some, it’s the fresh powder on the slope of an uncharted mountain. For others, it’s the unexpected terrain of a new scientific field. For a few, it’s both.
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