Be Skeptical, Very Skeptical

David Baker studied Genetics and Plant Biology

My experience here at Cal has taught me that in answering a question properly, you raises ten new questions. The act of learning involves endless cycles of questions leading to more questions, and so on. This suggests, that to be educated, does not mean that a person has amassed a required number of facts, but that a person has honed his or her mind to ask better and better questions. 

So then, what of answers? A history of Science course here introduced me to a humble giant of the twentieth century, Nobel Laureate in both Chemistry and Peace, Linus Pauling. His speech to the students of Stockholm upon receiving his first Nobel Prize remains with me to this day. He said "Perhaps as one of the older generation, I should preach a little sermon to you, but I do not propose to do so. I shall instead, give you a word of advice about how to behave toward your elders. When an old and distinguished person speaks to you, listen to him carefully and with respect, but do not believe him. Never put your trust in anything but your own intellect. Your elder, no matter whether he has gray hair or has lost his hair, no matter whether he is a Nobel Laureate, may be wrong. So you must always be skeptical, always think for yourself. This is what to think of answers. Be skeptical, very skeptical. A healthy skepticism will serve us well throughout our lives. 

The articles of the New York Times present an opportunity for daily practice: 

• Deregulation of the energy industry in California is a good idea. We should have been more skeptical. 
• Increasing supply of fossil fuels as opposed to curbing demand is in the Nations best interest. Be skeptical. 
• Free trade and democracy are inextricably intertwined and free trade in and of itself will improve life for everyone. Be skeptical. 

The ability to critically analyze information of all sorts is one of the most important skills that we have spent our time here perfecting. Just because we now walk across this stage in a stylish square hat does not mean that we can stop.

Have you ever marveled at the remarkably insightful questions asked by a three year old? To notice and wonder about the ordinary and see in it the extraordinary. A toddler wonders about the world as he or she sees it. With a fresh perspective, free of the prejudiced and jaded worldview that comes with experience. For the next few years, relatively free of pet theories and vested interests, we too will bring an element of this most constructive form of naiveté to what ever we do. More than this, we have what some would call the arrogance, but what I refer to as the irreverence of youth which allows us to boldly state:

I'm right, show me sufficient evidence to suggest otherwise.

The irreverence of youth certainly has its place in our society, but the cult of youth that afflicts our Nation does not. A tremendous wealth of knowledge and wisdom remain ignored in the more experienced members of our society. Following critical analysis, this wisdom must be utilized if we are to successfully tackle the most pressing challenges facing our communities, local, national and global. Ours is not the only generation to face trials, and we make our task that much harder by turning a deaf ear to replies of our elders. Rock the boat, but maintain discourse with those your jostle about, They have much to offer.

Thank you Cal for cultivating in me the irreverent skeptic.

To my fellow graduates. Good Luck.