As a scientist, I was amused by a simplistic representation of what the "scientist" class of people need to be happy in the game Anno 2205. In order for the sci

As a scientist, I was amused by a simplistic representation of what the "scientist" class of people need to be happy in the game Anno 2205. In order for the scientists to be happy, they need (aside from subsistence food, water, and lowbrow entertainment): luxury food, stimulants, computers, replicators, and secrecy. In my experience, all of the above (save for replicators, which are slated to be essential but not yet developed) are critical to being a scientist. But, how do we produce scientists? By fostering open minded curiosity and its cousin, wonder, then introducing critical thought as a guide once the former two have been established firmly. The path of curiosity inevitably leads toward uncharted territory, and, instead of cautioning against the unknown for fear of failure, we should encourage the young to forge ahead-- this is something that most parents will not do, because the unknown is frightening. To raise a scientist, I assume it might also be helpful (but not ethical) to have a complex series of lies / unprovable or counterfactual stories to tell to the child as though they were truth, so that they may have practice in combating poor thought or ignorance, another critical task that scientists must perform at all times to the best of their ability. In short: first cultivate a hunger for knowledge, and then a hunger for facts, and finally a hunger for truth.