Abstract
Scientists are human. Depending on the particular topic, this may be an explanation for the peculiar way in which fields of science advance (like a random walk in a strong external field), an apology for the tendency of scientists to do research, which is currently popular or lucrative (not the hopping conference, as a rule!), or simply a way of saying that certain scientists exemplify the highest human qualities. AS this introduction took form, it became clear that there was something positive to say about Michael Pollak in each context.