In science too, one dedicates his life to an Albanian snail, another to a virus. Darwin gave eight years to barnacles. And in wise later life, to earthworms. The Higgs boson, a tiny thing, perhaps not even a thing, was the lifetime's pursuit of thousands. To be bound in a nutshell, see the world in two inches of ivory, in a grain of sand. Why not, when all of literature, all of art, of human endeavor, is just a speck in the universe of possible things. And even this universe may be a speck in a multitude of actual and possible universes. So why not be an owl poet?
The excerpt emphasizes the dedication of individuals in various fields of science, drawing on examples such as Darwin's extensive study of barnacles and earthworms, as well as the immense efforts invested in understanding fundamental concepts like the Higgs boson. It highlights how much effort is put into studying seemingly small or insignificant subjects, suggesting that this focus allows for profound insights into larger truths.
Additionally, the passage encourages a perspective that values the minutiae of existence and creativity. It suggests that even entire bodies of literature and art are merely tiny fragments in the vastness of the universe. By invoking the image of an "owl poet," it implies a celebration of those who observe and articulate the depth and beauty found within the smallest details, encouraging an appreciation for the intricacies of life and thought.
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