The author mentions three qualities that go into the making of a scientist—a first-rate mind, curiosity, and the will to win for the right reasons. Richard Ebright was a very intelligent student. He was also a champion debater, a public speaker, a good canoeist and an expert photographer. He always tried to put that extra effort in his work. He was competitive, but for the right reasons. From the very beginning, he had a driving curiosity along with a bright mind; and it was this curiosity that ultimately led him to his theory about cell life.