Essay On The Great Influenza By John Barry

925 Words4 Pages

In the book authored by John M. Barry, The Great Influenza, formulated about scientists who are expected to research factual theories and observations and their research. Throughout the passage, John Barry explained aspects and qualities of scientists. In addition, he also reveals the unfavorable possibilities of cursory research. The author of the novel explicates his belief of the qualities of a scientist and their research habits, stating that an authentic scientist is depicted as accepting to uncertainty and doubt, willing to explore the unknown, and working diligence. John M. Barry utilizes syntax and amplification, definitions, and examples to augment to his characterization of what a genuine scientist should be and to persuade the reader …show more content…

At first, Barry stated that “Certainty creates strength. Certainty gives one something upon which to lean on” (Barry). Later in the passage, Barry also included the statement, “Uncertainty creates weakness. Uncertainty makes one tentative if not fearful…” (Barry). The syntax of the statement reveals the author’s intent to impose an idea to the reader. Each sentence follows a path that correlates to each other, but only alters a few ideas that are relevant to “certainty” and “uncertainty”. Barry depicts “certainty” as positive and reliable as revealed by the statements usage of the phrases “strength” and “one something upon which to lean on”. In the other hand, “uncertainty” is depicted as the opposite of the characteristics of certainty which are “weakness” and “makes one tentative if not fearful”. However, John M. Barry, later on, portrays “uncertainty” as a positive quality, professing that “uncertainty” is necessary to becoming an authentic scientist. Barry constantly …show more content…

To contribute to his argument, John Barry divulged the aspects of those who do practice diligence in their work by creating a scenario that makes the reader ponder about credibility and uncertainty among scientists. In order to make the reader envisage the results of negligence, John Barry depicted a situation of poor diligence to allow the reader to be acknowledged of the negative consequences of remiss research. According to Barry, he advocated that shoddy research leads to appalling repercussions, leaving colleagues to “pave roads over the path laid”. In other words, Barry suggesting that once a scientist has gathered “accurate” information, researchers will believe the scientists, thus creating more conflict over time. The author intentionally included this scenario in order to enlighten and startle the audience of the negative possibilities that can occur when one’s work is not proven evident and accurate. Barry acknowledges that poor quality work not only results to danger, but it leads to less knowledge and answers to predicaments. John M. Barry explicated aspects and qualities of scientists in his novel, The Great Influenza, stating that an authentic scientist is depicted as accepting to uncertainty and doubt, willing to explore the unknown, and