Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science

Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science

From a living legendâ€”James D. Watson, who shared the Nobel Prize for having revealed the structure of DNAâ€”a personal account of the making of a scientist. In Avoid Boring People, the man who discovered â€œthe secret of lifeâ€ shares the less revolutionary secrets he has found to getting along and getting ahead in a competitive world.

Recounting the years of his own formationâ€”from his fatherâ€™s birding lessons to the political catâ€™s cradle of professorship at Harvardâ€”Watson illuminates the progress of an exemplary scientific life, both his own pursuit of knowledge and how he learns to nurture fledgling scientists. Each phase of his experience yields a wealth of age-specific practical advice. For instance, when young, never be the brightest person in the room or bring more than one date on a ski trip; later in life, always accept with grace when your request for funding is denied, and--for goodnessâ€™ sake--donâ€™t dye your hair. There are precepts that few others would find occasion to heed (expect to gain weight after you win your Nobel Prize, as everyone will invite you to dinner) and many more with broader application (do not succumb to the seductions of golf if you intend to stay young professionally). And whatever the season or the occasion: avoid boring people.

A true believer in the intellectual promise of youth, Watson offers specific pointers to beginning scientists about choosing the projects that will shape their careers, the supreme importance of collegiality, and dealing with competitors within the same institution, even one who is a former mentor. Finally he addresses himself to the role and needs of science at large universities in the context of discussing the unceremonious departure of Harvard's president Larry Summers and the search for his successor.

Scorning political correctness, this irreverent romp through Watsonâ€™s life and learning is an indispensable guide to anyone plotting a career in science (or most anything else), a primer addressed both to the next generation and those who are entrusted with their minds.

Country	USA
Author	James D. Watson
Binding	Hardcover
EAN	9780375412844
Edition	1
Format	Deckle Edge
ISBN	0375412840
Label	Knopf
Manufacturer	Knopf
NumberOfItems	1
NumberOfPages	368
PublicationDate	2007-09-25
Publisher	Knopf
ReleaseDate	2007-09-25
Studio	Knopf

Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science

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