Why is it so satisfying when a body of scientific research is neatly encapsulated in a single photograph or in a single, short video clip? Is it because we crave order and structure, and this image displays, in a way that is undeniable, the veracity of that proposed order and structure? Is it because scientific analysis involves cognitive effort, but this gives us an intuitive proof which seems to absolutely solve the puzzle? Is it because we are evolved to spot patterns and the photograph reflects the pattern to such an extreme degree that we almost feel the thrill of discovery?
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Jolly Heretic to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.