Chemophobia and passion: Why chemists should desire Marcel Proust

Abstract

In this article, we introduce a new communication strategy called the "communication success dimension" for the suppression and eradication of chemophobia. We explain, using recent examples, that chemophobia presents a danger not only to the science of chemistry but also to humankind.

Based on the latest insights from communication research, we emphasize the need to bring more passion, dedication, and human factors into the communication of chemistry. We demonstrate the application of this new strategy by employing Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time to combat chemophobia.

Keywords

• communication strategy
• didactics of chemistry
• fears of chemistry
• identity of the chemist
• Marcel Proust
• public image of chemistry