This article presents people from many walks of life, including some well-known names, who share their views about science. Adam Hart-Davis, who studied chemistry at university and is now an author, photographer, historian and broadcaster, explains why science cannot start too soon. Lis Nairn, Manager, Stratigraphy, with Fugro Robertson Ltd (Oil and Gas Consultants), Llandudno, North Wales, remembers the importance of exploring the outdoors with her parents. Sharon Macnab, Science Learning Manager at the Glasgow Science Centre, emphasises the value of asking "Why?" and wonders what it would be like if people could watch their everyday lives through the lens of a microscope. Sportsman Roger Black emphasises how science gives children a chance to think for themselves through coming up with their own findings. Commodore Tim Harris describes how his school science came to be important at a crucial moment. Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the Future www.forumforthefuture.org and Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission www.sdcommission.org.uk, reminds one that with science knowledge, children are most effective in helping their parents to start facing up to their own environmental responsibilities. Karen Hodgkinson, a Primary Science Teacher of the Year in 2004, suggests that a quality early experience of science in the primary years is the best support for a more in-depth scientific understanding in later years. Lord David Puttnam of Queensgate urges schools to nurture a generation of young people who will take up the new scientific challenges that are constantly arising. Charles Arthur of the "Guardian" elaborates on why babies are born scientists, and wonders why people eventually "break" most of them. Richard Smith suggests that science may be "a childish thing", but it is the best way of getting knowledge that will not let a person down. Arjan de Zeuuw, who plays centre back for Premiership team Wigan Athletic, shares how he became involved in the area of science studies. Finally, Wynne Harlen, OBE, looks back and ahead.