I remember, quite clearly, the day I knew that magic, fairy tales and fairy creatures were real. I was 5 years old and my mother took me to see a stage production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. It must have been a birthday present (my birthday is at the end of November) as there was a distinct “Christmassy” feel to the production.

It was colourful, fun and exciting, but quite “normal” as far as I could tell, until that moment. First, we heard them singing off-stage: Hi ho! Hi ho!… And then, onto the stage marched a line of dwarves: real, in-the-flesh-not-men-on-their-knees, dwarves! DWARVES! It was a life-changing moment.

I figured that if dwarves were real – they actually existed – then so must giants (they do), and fairies (not seen one yet but still looking) and pixies (there are definitely “little people” in this world) and dragons and everything! It’s logical, isn’t it?

As I got older I learned that a lot of myths and legends are based on facts. For example: Heinrich Schliemann discovered the site of Troy, using the stories of Homer as both inspiration and guide. Of course, the memory of that great city had been embroidered, stretched and dramatised by Homer (an ancient writer, heavily into verse novels) but the foundation of his tales was true.

Schliemann achieved great things because he read those stories and thought, I wonder if…? And that thought is the beginning of any scientific research. Science and mathematics are important but they only achieve great heights when combined with a mind that allows itself to wonder.

So, if people give you a hard time because you like reading fantasy literature (and watching fantastic movies) just smile enigmatically and say: What a shame you’ve lost the ability to wonder. It’s rather unscientific of you. Don’t forget: dwarves are real.