**The Thing John Horgan Feared Most**

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Post on Nov 14, 2024

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The Thing John Horgan Feared Most: A Scientist's Skeptical Take on the Future

John Horgan, the renowned science writer, has made a career out of challenging scientific dogma. He’s known for his skepticism, his willingness to question the grand claims of scientific progress, and his sometimes contrarian views. But there’s one thing that truly scares him: the end of science itself.

Science's "End of History"

Horgan sees a worrying trend in science: a growing sense of "end of history" – the belief that science has reached its peak and that future discoveries will only be incremental refinements of existing knowledge. This, he argues, is a dangerous complacency that could stifle innovation and lead to stagnation.

The Dangers of Complacency

Why is this complacency so dangerous? For one, it can lead to a decline in funding for basic research. If scientists believe they’ve already solved the big mysteries, there’s less motivation to explore the unknown. And without basic research, there’s no foundation for new discoveries and technological breakthroughs.

Secondly, a sense of scientific finality can breed arrogance and a lack of humility. This can lead to scientists dismissing dissenting voices and becoming resistant to new ideas, hindering progress.

Horgan's Warning

Horgan’s fear isn’t just hypothetical. He sees evidence of this complacency in various fields, like physics, where some researchers believe the Standard Model has explained everything there is to know about the universe. He worries that this complacency will ultimately stifle scientific progress and leave us with a stagnant and uninspired future.

Embracing Uncertainty

What’s the solution? Horgan argues that science needs to embrace uncertainty, to be open to new ideas and challenges, and to always question its own assumptions. We must never forget that there's still so much we don't know. We should celebrate the unknown, not shy away from it.

The Future of Science

The future of science is not about ending the quest for knowledge but about embracing the endlessness of it. By staying humble, open to new ideas, and constantly questioning our own assumptions, we can ensure that science continues to thrive and inspire wonder for generations to come.