"One often hears lately of the idea of “serendipity” in research. Serendipity refers to the capability to discover the crucial and essential components from unexpected phenomena. I believe that any researcher has the chance to exhibit serendipity. However, in order to make the most of such opportunities, a researcher must have the humility to see nature directly, an attentiveness that does not let even the dimmest spark escape, and an insatiable appetite for research. Some amount of luck also matters, but what can be said with certainty is that little will come of a half-hearted effort."

Akira Suzuki, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2010