Space Education & Strategic Applications Volume 1, Number 1, Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 16

Space Education and Strategic Applications Journal
and space and time are interwoven into a single continuum known as space-time,
their search for truth was often wrought with ridicule and skepticism. This form of
oppositional response is so prevalent within the scientific community, it actually
carries a name ~ “attack-escape.”
Attack-escape is when we (scientists and nonscientists) are introduced to a novel
idea that doesn’t quite fit within our current belief system, we tend to judge the
new discovery before bothering to look at the evidence that has been provided in
support of the discovery. Innovative and revolutionary discoveries, in particular,
are largely the hardest hit as they are presented against long- and firmly-established
convictions. Unless the scientist continues to pursue his / her truth with
determination, they will either be ignored, or sadly, not live long-enough to experience
the eventual acceptance of what sparked the journey stemming from that
initial curiosity. Physicist Sir Alan Walshe is spot-on with this analogy:
“The itch to suffocate the infant idea burns in all of us”
~ Sir Alan Walshe
If a scientist does not have the determination and courage to face his opposers
and adversaries and to keep searching for his truth, this will ultimately have an
emotional and mental toll that cripples and squelches any spark left in his quest.
Mentors and Colleagues
To prevent this from happening, many scientists believe it beneficial to surround
themselves with a mentor or colleagues for support and motivation. For example,
upon his announcement of his discovery, the X-ray, Wilhelm Rontgen faced
criticism and outright abuse over the innovation. However, it was his mentor and
famous physicist, J.J. Thomson, who did not falter in his conviction that Wilhelm’s
X-ray was revolutionary and would change the world of medical science.
Our featured author has very similar characteristics, experiences, and paths similar
to the great above-mentioned minds in science.
On Curiosity
As a child, he always felt a “mysterious connection” with the universe which
sparked his curiosity and interest in space. At the age of 15, he wrote the
following poem:
Amongst the myriad stars
I stand alone
and wonder how much life
and love there was tonight
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~ Chandra Wickramasinghe