Whimsy In Science

My new book.

My latest book, Whimsy In Science, is a book of science jokes and puns, along with funny stories about science and scientists. Some people may ask how, in these hard times for science while budgets of vital programs are being cut and pseudoscientists and conspiracy theorists are running government agencies, can it be possibly justified to put out a book of science jokes, puns, and stories?

Well, I believe part of the problem is that people think that scientists are “different” from the average person. When we feel others are different from us, we often are not as receptive to their plight in times of need. Those mathematicians, molecular biologists, chemists, physicists, and others speaking in jargon and putting out incomprehensible publications while consuming resources, don’t seem to generate a lot of sympathy in the hearts of many people.
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But this attitude is unwarranted. In my blog, I have tried over several years to explain how the activity of scientists has made our lives better, and I have provided many practical examples. What I have not delved into as much is the fact that all these scientists as individuals are not different from the average person. And one example of this equality is humor. Just like you, scientists have a sense of humor. Now, granted, scientific humor has its own distinctive angle, but in this it is no different from other groups of people. Military personnel, firefighters, librarians, accountants, football players, teachers, etc. have their own brands of humor with inside jokes and puns, and scientists are no exception.

It has been said that a joke is a very serious thing. In publishing this book, I take that maxim to heart, and I hope this book contributes to humanize scientists and make the average person better appreciate their contributions to making our lives better (and funnier).