15 best Stranger Things quotes to live by

“Science is neat, but I’m afraid it’s not very forgiving.” – Mr. Clarke

Episode: “Chapter Five: The Flea and the Acrobat” 

Mr. Clarke is the science teacher that we all wish we had growing up. He is kind to the four main boys throughout the series, is understanding and provides assistance in the form of scientific knowledge, and is key to the whole series.

Obviously Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas all share a love of science and that love probably stems from their great teacher Mr. Clarke. The scientific knowledge the boys share helps them out of a lot of jams throughout the show and without it, they probably would not have made it to where we find them at the start of season three.

Mr. Clarke is pivotal in that scientific knowledge, but he also knows that science may not only be the boys saving grace but also their worst enemy. When the teacher says that science is not very forgiving, this is clearly in reference to the scientific tampering that Brenner and his team in the underground labs outside of Hawkins are doing. This messing with science and the natural order of things is the crux of the whole show and how all the central antagonists of the show are able to cause the trouble that they do.

While Mr. Clarke may not know exactly the extent of his words, they certainly leave an impression on the boys and on the audience who know that scientific interference can be a double-edged sword that can cause as much harm as good and should be treated with respect and care.