"It is the courage to accept-indeed, embrace-uncertainty." In his writing, John M. Barry describes the long, tedious work that belongs to scientific research. The scientist must go through a process in approaching the unknown, discussing his/her findings, and creating discoveries that change the world.The unknown presents itself as a challenge to scientists but also as a target for new worlds. Through Barry's rhetorical devices, he takes us through the mind of a scientist as they go through a self-defining journey and approach uncertainty. Scientists are given little credit but Barry proves to the reader how scientists are heroes.

    According to Barry, "certainty creates strength" while "uncertainty creates weakness." This usage of antithesis illustrates how scientists are expected to succeed. In life, if one has confidence in oneself, there is a great chance they will succeed. Similar to the classic story 'The Little Engine That Could.' Scientists must approach their research with certainty, even though they are dwelling in the unknown. Although approaching research cautiously is safe, it does not make anything happen. It does not create success. A scientist must obtain "passion, patience, creativity, self-sufficiency, and courage" to be successful. This use of asyndeton describes the ideal scientist as one who is unafraid of unfamiliar territory and ready to venture into the world and make new discoveries. 

     As a scientist, there is always the chance that all the hard work and convincing findings put into research can shatter in an instant. Someone could find something that will prove the research false or wrong. This reality can lose a scientist's "belief." Barry used this expletive phrase to emphasize how everything can be compromised in a flash. However, even if one fails it is important to keep trying. Scientists are always looking for the next step and this courage and determination is admirable.

    Barry also uses allusion and similes to describe a scientist's rigorous journey of research. He states that a single step can take scientists "through the looking glass into another world." This alludes to the book Alice in Wonderland when the main character, Alice, stumbles across a world that is new and extraordinary. It is different from anything she has ever seen. This is the scientist's job as well. To create "form, structure, and direction" the scientist must treat his research "like a crystal." Each step in their research is important and one wrong move can lead one off a "cliff."

    Scientists are born/programmed with a sense of curiosity. To do research or any problem, they must use complex equations and mathematics. For example, to penetrate rock, "would a pick be better or would dynamite be better-or would dynamite be too indiscriminately destructive?" This problem and use of antimetabole reflects a scientist's problem. They literally must create "everything." Once a scientist succeeds in solving a problem like this, his colleagues form the path to success. Barry personifies this journey as a "road." 

    Successful research consists of confidence, a sense of curiosity, certainty, and finding the right steps. If one possesses none of these qualities or gives up too quickly, it is likely they are not meant to be a scientist. Experiments and success do not simply happen or work. It takes time, energy, and commitment. Although the process is long, the results are worthwhile. The researcher simply must have a good attitude and "make it work."