Furthermore, Barry’s use of metaphors helps depict that uncertainty should be used as a tool to aid, in this case, scientific research. Barry compares science to tools. “A shovel can dig up dirt but cannot penetrate rock. Would a pick be best, or would dynamite be better…” (Barry). With the use of this long metaphor, Barry begins to elaborate on his point. Barry’s purpose of the essay is to get the reader to understand that uncertainty is one step closer to discovery. The answers may not appear clearly, but that should not stop one from taking the next step in full confidence. Though the uncertainty leads to hesitant decisions, Barry shows that it is better to delve in, rather than to sit and ponder, just as in the comparison in which the author
