We are ambivalent about scientists, because we are in awe of their almost magical ability to understand and control the forces of nature. Like modern-day Merlins, they thrill and mystify us with their jargon, potions, equipment, procedures, and results. But we tend to forget that science is incomplete, imperfect, experimental, and a work-in-progress. This is why scientists can’t fully heal us or solve all of our problems, and this is why they occasionally hurt us. So let’s respect and appreciate scientists, but let’s not worship them or give them our unqualified trust.

Competing interests:
None declared