Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science

From a living legendâJames D. Watson, who shared the Nobel Prize for having revealed the structure of DNAâa personal account of the making of a scientist. In Avoid Boring People, the man who discovered âthe 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 formationâfrom his fatherâs birding lessons to the political catâs cradle of professorship at HarvardâWatson 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--donât 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 Watsonâs 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.


Review: “a deliciously detailed account of his life both in and out of science… insightful, useful and on target about science, competition, leadership, teaching and academic success…His remarkable recall of events…gives the reader the feeling of being there…full of insight into Watson and into a life in science…He is at all times blatantly but entertainingly honest about his likes and dislikes…Watson remains one of the most fascinating scientists of our time, as iconic in some respects ash is double helix.”-- Huntington F. Willard, Nature“the ne plus ultra of gadflies, James D. Watson…from his near-octogenarian heights, he passes on what he can to young scientists coming up and to the rest of us as well...Particularly entertaining”-- Sara Lippincott, Los Angeles Times“Among James Watson’s gifts is the flying gibe…those who can ignore Watson’s latest gaffe will not be bored.”-- Brenda Maddox, The London Times“James Watson is both a scientific genius and a larger-than-life personality...If you want to learn how science gets done in the real world, with all its competitiveness, personal rivalries, collaborations, and pure persistence, Watson makes for a wonderful guide…readers get an entertaining front-row seat on this glitzy world that runs on brains, gossip, and (sometimes) backbiting…The science contained in Avoid Boring People is explained in lucid prose [and] many of Watson’s practical ‘lessons’ will surely help academics of any discipline.” --Chuck Leddy, Boston Globe"Aspiring Nobel laureates, pay attention. The road to the prize is laid out for you here. A book to be highlighted and handed down."--Seed Magazine"Vintage Watson: brash, bumptious, brilliant--and never boring."--Kirkus"Watson proves as engaging ...

Author / Editor: Watson, James D.

Category: Science & Technical

ISBN: 9780307481795

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