Kary Mullis: 'Sometimes in the morning, when it's a good surf, I go out there, and I don't feel like it's a bad world.'

Sometimes in the morning, when it's a good surf, I go out there, and I don't feel like it's a bad world.

The quote by Kary Mullis, "Sometimes in the morning, when it's a good surf, I go out there, and I don't feel like it's a bad world," encapsulates the power of finding joy and solace in the simple pleasures of life. It speaks to the moments of respite we experience when immersed in an activity we love, where the worries and troubles of the world seem to fade away. Mullis, a Nobel laureate, is best known for his invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, which revolutionized molecular biology. Though there is an apparent simplicity to his statement, it holds significant meaning in reminding us of the restorative nature of engaging in activities that bring us happiness and a sense of peace.However, let us delve deeper into the quote and introduce an unexpected philosophical concept - existentialism. The dichotomy between feeling the world is bad and transcending that negativity through the enjoyment of a good surf session aligns with the existentialist belief in the inherent absurdity and meaninglessness of life. According to existential philosophy, the world has no predetermined purpose or meaning. Each individual has the freedom to create their own meaning through choices and actions, even in the face of existential angst.In this light, Mullis' words take on a different dimension. When he speaks of not feeling like it's a bad world during those blissful moments in the morning surf, it becomes a reminder of the individual's capacity to find solace and escape from the existential dread that may pervade their daily existence. The act of surfing, with its merging of human and nature, can symbolize a brief respite from the weighty burdens of life, a temporal release from the sense of existential dread that can accompany the human experience.The contrast between the supposed 'bad world' and the respite found in the perfect surf raises interesting questions about the nature of reality and our perceptions of it. Is the world truly objectively bad? Or does our subjective experience shape our interpretation? Perhaps it is a bit of both. Mullis implies that there are moments, such as those during a perfect surf, when one's perception of the world shifts, leading to a more positive outlook. This notion invites us to reflect on the notion of perception as a fundamental force in shaping our reality.Moreover, Mullis' quote introduces the concept of finding meaning through pursuing what brings us joy and fulfillment. In the context of the existentialist philosophy, this pursuit becomes crucial. Though life may lack inherent meaning, existentialists argue that the individual has the agency to create their own purpose and find meaning through their choices and actions. Mullis, by emphasizing the transformative power of a perfect surf, highlights the significance of seeking out and engaging in activities that elicit personal fulfillment.By embracing the joy found in our passions, hobbies, and moments of respite, we can create meaning and find a sense of purpose in an otherwise seemingly absurd world. Whether it be surfing, painting, writing, or any other pursuit that stirs our souls, these activities can serve as portals through which we momentarily transcend the burdens of existence.In conclusion, Kary Mullis' quote, "Sometimes in the morning, when it's a good surf, I go out there, and I don't feel like it's a bad world," captures the essence of finding solace and joy in life's simple pleasures. It echoes the existentialist belief in the individual's capacity to create their own meaning and find respite from the inherent absurdity of existence. Mullis reminds us of the importance of engaging in activities that bring us fulfillment and allow us to momentarily escape the weight of the world. Through these pursuits, we can shape our perception of reality and create our own purpose, ultimately finding meaning in life's fleeting moments of pure bliss.