Introduction

Abstract

The title of this volume—Homo Novus—might need an explanation. In ancient Rome a “homo novus” was the first man in a family to serve in the senate. A second meaning attached to it is that of a parvenu or upstart. Neither meaning is intended here. Instead, we consider the third and most recent meaning, that of a freshman or a new beginning. The exploration of a new scientific field would be an example of such a new beginning. Often, such a new scientific beginning requires a revision of established theories and beliefs. To integrate or even replace old theories with new and fresh ones is difficult and cumbersome, and thus needs ambassadors and advocates with bold arguments and a new perspective. In particular theories and concepts that go against our intuition need perpetual support from keen thinkers.