There are many examples: Newton with his alchemy and end of the world calculations, Pauling and his vitimin C, Tesla talking to aliens ...

But science doesn't rely on personality when it comes to what stands up to the test of time. Newton's calculus and principles of gravity work, the rest of his passions are forgotten because they don't work. Scientists want what works.

I've known many geologists who were teaching when the evidence for Plate Tectonics became overwhelming. (The dating of the seafloor using paleomagnetics showing the growth pattern of the ocean basins.) It was hard on them. Much of what they thought and taught was suddenly obsolete. But the better model opened new avenues of exploration. They were excited at the new opportunities. That's science.

When I hear that the resolution of a question of nature is "God did it" I hear a mind that has decided to stop questioning.

While ole Bucky Fuller had some rather unscientific beliefs himself, I liked what he said of humans:

"Humans are local-universe information gatherers and problem solvers."

Defaulting to deities stifles both pursuits.