"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing"

Wernher von Braun’s statement, “Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing,” captures the essence of exploration, uncertainty, and the true nature of scientific inquiry. The remark conveys a fundamental truth about the process of discovery: it is not a path of preordained steps, but rather a journey through unknown territory where the outcome is often unclear and undetermined from the outset.

Engaging in research means venturing into areas where there are no clear answers or established routines. Rather than following a well-worn path, researchers navigate ambiguity, experiment with new ideas, and sometimes stumble in the dark. The phrase reflects intellectual humility, an acknowledgment that even respected scientists, engineers, or innovators frequently find themselves confronted with the unfamiliar. It is in these moments of uncertainty, when one does not have all the answers or even a clear methodology, that genuine progress is made. The willingness to admit not knowing, coupled with the persistence to explore nonetheless, is what makes research dynamic and productive.

Von Braun’s words also serve to demystify the scientific enterprise. The pursuit of knowledge is often perceived as a systematic, logical process where the researcher is all-knowing and always in control. In reality, important discoveries frequently emerge when researchers venture beyond their comfort zones, try and fail, and iterate repeatedly. Mistakes, confusion, and false starts are not just common but integral to the research process. By embracing these moments of not knowing, researchers remain open to serendipity and to constructive surprises.

Ultimately, the saying champions curiosity and resilience. It reassures that confusion is not a sign of weakness, but rather a prerequisite for invention and growth. Progress in any field is inseparable from moments when one must admit, “I don’t know,” and then proceed to find out.