For over four centuries, science has embraced a spirit of open inquiry, transcending political borders and conflicts. This commitment to free exploration has been a cornerstone of scientific progress, allowing researchers to focus solely on understanding nature, often disregarding the interests of nations or the influence of war. Scientists have traditionally valued transparency and collaboration, viewing their work as a collective endeavor meant to benefit humanity as a whole.
This historical perspective emphasizes that the motivations behind scientific discoveries have often been altruistic, aiming for the greater good rather than personal gain. Many of these breakthroughs have been characterized by a collective, selfless pursuit of knowledge, reflecting a deep-seated belief among scientists in the importance of sharing information freely, even resisting the urge to claim exclusive rights to their findings through patents.