What can we learn about the scientific research process from Jules Verne? Lessons from “journey to the center of the earth”

Abstract

This paper aims to point out lessons about the scientific research process that can be extracted from the classic literary work Journey to the Center of the Earth, by Jules Verne. It starts with the argument that research is similar to a journey. To carry them out, prior preparation, the definition of a destination (objective) and the means on how to reach it (methodology) are required. The paper analyses four lessons which can be taken from Verne's work and can serve as compass for scientific research: (i) the research question must be well defined and doing so is not easy; (ii) the research methodology must be adequate and feasible; (iii) organization is essential; (iv) research is not always a bed of roses.