The author reflects on their educational journey, contrasting their deep passion for physics with their initial disinterest in biology. They recount how a shift in perspective, focusing on the intricate mechanisms and "physics-like" processes within biological systems, sparked a newfound appreciation for the subject. This realization came through exploring topics like protein folding and the Krebs cycle, revealing the elegant underlying order and logic of life. The author ultimately laments not embracing biology earlier, recognizing its interconnectedness with physics and the profound beauty of its complexity.
The author, reflecting on their educational journey and subsequent career trajectory, expresses a nuanced regret for not having cultivated a deeper appreciation and pursuit of biology during their formative years. They articulate a retrospective realization that biology, a field initially perceived as less rigorous or intellectually stimulating compared to their chosen domain of computer science, offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of the very essence of life itself. This nascent appreciation stems from their recent forays into topics such as the intricate mechanisms of protein folding and the complex interplay of genetic information, fueled by readily available online resources. They posit that their prior dismissal of biology was rooted in a superficial understanding of the subject, likely influenced by a secondary school curriculum that emphasized rote memorization over conceptual comprehension and the genuine wonders of biological discovery. The author further contrasts the seemingly deterministic nature of computer science, where inputs predictably yield specific outputs, with the inherent stochasticity and emergent complexity of biological systems, finding the latter increasingly captivating. This newfound fascination is tinged with a wistful contemplation of alternative career paths, pondering the intellectual fulfillment that might have been derived from a career dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the living world. While acknowledging the continued enjoyment and success found in their current profession, the author encourages readers, particularly those still navigating the landscape of academic possibilities, to maintain an open mind and explore diverse scientific disciplines, lest they too experience a similar pang of retrospective academic longing. The underlying message emphasizes the boundless intellectual richness inherent in the biological sciences and implicitly cautions against prematurely dismissing any field of study based on preconceived notions or limited exposure.
Summary of Comments ( 2 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43764076
HN users largely agree with the author's sentiment that biology education often focuses too much on rote memorization, hindering genuine interest and exploration. Several commenters shared similar experiences, finding biology classes tedious and uninspiring due to the emphasis on memorizing facts rather than understanding underlying principles. Some suggested that introducing programming and computational approaches earlier could make the subject more engaging and accessible. Others pointed out the crucial role of passionate teachers in sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for biology, contrasting their positive experiences with the author's. A few commenters challenged the premise, arguing that memorization is a necessary foundation in biology and that appreciation can develop later with further study and specialization. The discussion also touched upon the limitations of standardized testing and the need for more project-based learning in biology education.
The Hacker News post "I should have loved biology too" has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the author's experience with biology education and the perceived differences between biology and other scientific fields like physics.
Several commenters echo the author's sentiment about the rote memorization often emphasized in introductory biology courses. One commenter laments the lack of focus on fundamental principles and the overemphasis on specific examples, contrasting this with physics education which they feel builds up from basic principles. They express a desire for biology education to be more focused on underlying mechanisms and unifying theories, rather than just cataloging biological facts.
Another commenter points out the complexity and emergent behavior inherent in biological systems, suggesting that this might contribute to the difficulty in establishing simple, universal laws like those found in physics. They highlight the vastness and interconnectedness of biological systems, making it challenging to isolate and study individual components without considering the broader context.
There's discussion around the historical development of scientific fields, with one commenter suggesting that biology is a younger science compared to physics, and thus, is still in the process of developing its foundational theories. This commenter suggests that the future of biology might involve more mathematical and computational approaches to unravel the complexity of biological systems.
A different perspective is offered by a commenter who emphasizes the practical and experimental nature of biology, contrasting it with the more theoretical nature of physics. They argue that the hands-on, experimental aspect of biology is a crucial component of understanding the subject, and that a focus solely on theoretical principles would be insufficient.
Some comments delve into specific examples, such as the role of evolution in shaping biological systems. One commenter notes the importance of evolutionary context in understanding the apparent randomness and complexity of biological processes.
Overall, the comments reflect a range of perspectives on the nature of biology and biology education, with a common theme being the desire for a more principled and interconnected approach to understanding the complex world of living organisms. There is also an acknowledgment of the inherent challenges in simplifying biological systems due to their emergent properties and evolutionary history.