ABSTRACT
Human ingenuity, especially in unfamiliar domains of inquiry such as nanoscale science and engineering, is a complex, symbolic, and highly metaphoric engagement of the human, thinking mind. Humans respond to novelty and other forms of ambiguity through the imagination. Some objects of human engagement are reflected on only and most effectively in indirect ways, such as through metaphor. Metaphor functions as a primary and critical means of expression for otherwise ineffable human feelings, visions, concepts, and beliefs. And, it is not necessarily an impediment to clear thinking. Sometimes, it makes clear thinking possible by dealing tacitly with the sublime and the unknown.
