In the Interest of Science

Do you ever wonder about the sanity of some scientists? For “knowledge,” some of them are willing to go to lengths most people deem unreasonable. They perform tasks like diving to dark, heavy-pressure depths; enduring bone-chilling cold; traveling through areas riddled with deadly animals and insects; even laughing in the face of ancient, life-threatening curses. Who are these people?

They are people who don’t allow obstacles of any sort or size deter them. They are the zealous and overzealous who accomplish the seemingly impossible. They are studious and dedicated. They are meticulous and obsessive. And they are a little bit crazy.

They are people like Sir Joseph Whemple of the 1932 “The Mummy,” who makes heartfelt statements like:

“Our job is to increase the sum of human knowledge… Not to satisfy our own curiosity.”

And:

“I can’t permit your beliefs to interfere with my work.”

And:

“In the interest of science, even if I believed in the curse, I’d go on with my work.”

He does go on with his work, to the detriment of others and, eventually, himself.

The same do-or-die spirit is displayed in “The Mummy” of 1999, in which the Egyptian museum curator makes egoistic declarations such as:

“We are scholars, not treasure hunters.”

And:

“For over three thousand years we have guarded the City of the Dead. […] to do any and all in our power to stop the High Prince Imhotep from being reborn into this world.”

Okay, maybe that last one is a bit much. But he, too, eventually pays the ultimate price.

These are people who live in a world where every question can be answered, every puzzle can be solved, and every evil overcome. Theirs is no world for the skeptical, doubtful, or irresolute. For people like these, we have many reasons to be grateful.