Science, the art of reaching "Con-Fusion" at a higher level

2 cocktails: 8 cl gin, 4 cl limoncello, 2 egg-whites, 4 tsps olive oil, ice.

Confusion as state of bewilderment may usually be frowned upon in science, where the search for deep and eternal truths is regarded as the highest calling and foremost professional duty. While for those who believe to have all the answers, confusion also represents an uncomfortable and undesirable disposition.

All the more disheartening was a recent discussion with a colleague, following my presentation at a summer school. "Before your talk I was confused ..." he joyfully opened our conversation. But my heart sank when he continued "... after your talk, I was still confused ... " and not even waiting for the uncomfortable truth to sink in, he concluded "... I was still confused, but at a higher level."

In the meantime, I have shed some tears but also realized that reaching confusion on a higher level may in fact be quintessential to science and scientific progress. I would even go so far as to claim that if someone is not thoroughly confused and bewildered by the world, he or she probably has no place in science.

Not surprisingly, confusion originates from Latin, with "con" meaning with or thorough and "fusion" referring to the process of mixing or combining things. Yeah, and that is my pivot to cocktails.

Before we get to that, one last thought: one difference between science and politics is that confusion in science serves to stimulate further inquiry and to enhance curiosity, whereas in politics, confusion may be intentionally used to cloud judgement by obfuscation. Mixing or conflating things that don't belong together for the purpose of muddying the waters is a common trick from the propagandists toolbox. Oh well, I am rambling again.

Already confused? Wait until you have tried this: thoroughly mix olive oil with egg-whites until you get a yellow-greenish foam (I use an electric milk frother), shake with gin, limoncello and ice and let me know if you have ever tried a more bizarre concoction.

Zum Wohl, cheers, enjoy.