John M. Barry, in The Great Influenza, illustrates the mentality of scientists and the nature of their research. Science is more than a study and takes far more than superior intellect. Scientists must be prepared for the unexpected and be willing to change their beliefs and challenge preconceptions. They must be creative and intuitive. Science is an art form that requires perfect attention to detail and carving paths in unchartered areas. In the midst of an influenza epidemic, Barry characterizes the strength that is required of the scientists and the unimaginable challenges that scientists must face.  

“To be a scientist requires not only intelligence and curiosity, but passion, patience, creativity, self-sufficiency and courage… to accept-indeed, embrace- uncertainty.” Barry uses his platform and the current influenza crisis to expand the public’s preconceptions about scientists. Most people think that a scientist is fixated on math and science. And that science is ultimately about finding cures and helping people. Most people however, do not realize that science is also about art and creativity and immense courage. Scientists must humble themselves to the realization that their knowledge is miniscule in comparison to the mysteries of nature. “A scientist must accept that the fact that all his or her work, even beliefs, may break apart upon the sharp edge of a single laboratory finding. “ Many people have core beliefs that few things can shatter. This constant in their life creates a sense of security. However, scientists must give up this comfort each day, with their previous notions and endeavors challenged, leaving no belief sacred or safe. “Ultimately a scientist has nothing to believe in but in the process of inquiry.”

It is the process of inquiry that would drive the strongest and sane person mad. It takes someone who excels intellectually and emotionally to take the job. “The best [scientists] among them move deep into a wilderness region where they know almost nothing, where the very tools and techniques… do not exist…There a single step can take them through the looking  glass into a world that seems entirely different… [and] precipitate an order out of chaos, to create form, structure, and direction.” The field of science is an effort to discover the facts of nature in a mystifying world. As science has gained momentum, growing in knowledge, the more extraordinary scientists among us escape into our unknown world, to solve the timeless mysteries. Scientists have unlocked many mysterious and cured many aliments. However, in the case of this influenza epidemic, the work is never done and the lives of many people hang in the loom.

Each year people fear getting the flu. Some people get vaccines. Every few years, there is an epidemic. The virus is constantly evolving and outsmarting current treatments. Scientists are like this persistent virus. They must constantly adapt to new findings and disown their old ideas. They must evolve new theories and remedies. However unlike the virus most scientists work vigilantly in order to help people win the fight against diseases. But the scientific process, especially into uncharted areas, is challenging and time consuming leaving scientists in a constant battle with nature.