Question: I don't really understand what you do for your work

Norman Lazarus answered on 11 Mar 2013:

This is a difficult question. I suppose we could divide scientists into two broad groups. The first group is concerned with understanding of how the worls and all things in it work together. These questions can best be answered in environments such as university. So, these scientists do not produce a “product”they produce answers. Answers to how objects fall to the ground (gravity), how does an arctic fox survive in the cold, how does a mosquito cause disease, how do we grow old. So, to sum up these scientists do work that is very important to the human condition and produce knowledge and not things. They also pass on this knowledge by teaching. Other scientists, which we can call applied scientists do experiments to make things. These can be telephones, cameras, television, rockets to the planets and all kind of objects that we see in every day life. Behind every one of these was a scientist or group of scientists who had to invent something that did not exist before they thought of it. Both types of scientists are essential to our continued well being and survival. Which group you may wish to join depends on your own personality and view of life. Both groups are equally important. You choose!