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Babbage: Science book club

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Dec 20, 2023

Guest

Kunal Patel

In this insightful discussion, Kunal Patel, producer of the Babbage podcast and a literary expert, engages with a talented lineup of science correspondents. They dive into the role of books in communicating science, sharing their personal favorites such as 'The Periodic Table' and 'A Theory of Everyone.' The conversation reveals how literature weaves through life experiences and influences careers in science journalism, connecting emotions with complex scientific ideas. A heartfelt exploration of the legacy of Marie Curie adds a personal touch, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in science.

42:23

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ANECDOTE

Primo Levi's Unique Storytelling

Alok Jha's favorite book, The Periodic Table by Primo Levi, connects chemistry to life stories.
Each chapter, named after an element, uses chemistry as a metaphor, blending memoir, fiction, and science.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

The Journey of Carbon

Alok Jha loves the "Carbon" chapter, tracing a carbon atom's journey from cosmos to Primo Levi.
He compares it to his own writing about a water molecule, finding Levi's storytelling superior.

insights

INSIGHT

Fact and Fiction Blur

Rachel Dobbs recommends When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut.
This "nonfiction novel" blends fact and fiction, exploring the shift from classical to quantum physics.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Essential Role of Books in Science Communication

03:36 • 2min

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Reflections on Science and Humanity

05:23 • 16min

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Connecting with Curie: Books, Family, and Science

21:07 • 15min

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Exploring Literary Influences in Science Journalism

36:29 • 2min

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Literary Reflections on Science

37:59 • 3min

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Exploring the Wonders of Science Literature

41:13 • 3min

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#1928

• Mentioned in 13 episodes

When We Cease to Understand the World

None

Benjamín Labatut

#6340

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Sociobiology

The New Synthesis

Edward O. Wilson

In 'Sociobiology: The New Synthesis,' Edward O. Wilson defines sociobiology as the systematic study of the biological basis of all social behavior. The book explores how social behaviors in animals, including altruism, cooperation, and aggression, are shaped by natural selection and genetic factors. Wilson extends this analysis to humans in the final chapter, sparking significant controversy and debate about the role of biology in human social behavior. The book is a landmark in the field of evolutionary biology and has had a profound impact on the nature versus nurture debate and the development of evolutionary psychology.

#4031

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

A Theory of Everyone

The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going

Michael Muthukrishna

In 'A Theory of Everyone,' Michael Muthukrishna presents a bold and original work that integrates research from across the sciences, humanities, and the field of cultural evolution. The book argues that human dominance is rooted in our unique ability to create and pass on culture—a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experiences. Muthukrishna proposes four 'laws of life'—energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—as essential for solving the practical and existential challenges facing humanity, such as polarization, inequality, productivity stagnation, and the energy crisis. The book is divided into two parts: the first explains 'who we are' and 'how we got here,' while the second explores practical policy solutions for our current predicament. Muthukrishna's approach is characterized by a scientific method, a wide range of academic research, and an engaging writing style that makes complex ideas accessible to readers.

#142

• Mentioned in 87 episodes

The selfish gene

Lalla Ward Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins

In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today.

#4136

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Why Fish Don't Exist

A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life

Lulu Miller

This book is a blend of memoir, biography, and existential inquiry. Lulu Miller, struggling with personal crises, becomes fascinated with the life of David Starr Jordan, a 19th-century taxonomist who dedicated his life to categorizing fish. As Miller delves deeper into Jordan's story, she uncovers both admirable qualities and dark secrets, including his involvement in the eugenics movement. The book reflects on the human attempt to impose order on a chaotic world, the dangers of such endeavors, and the beauty found in embracing complexity and uncertainty.

#11180

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

The Periodic Tale

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

#7031

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

How Far the Light Reaches

Sabrina Imbler

In 'How Far the Light Reaches', Sabrina Imbler weaves together memoir and marine biology, drawing parallels between the lives of sea creatures and their own experiences as a queer, mixed-race writer. The book explores themes of adaptation, survival, and identity, offering a unique perspective on how marine life can inform human understanding of family, community, and care.

#16679

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Madame Curie

A Biography

Eve Curie Labouisse

This biography chronicles the life of Marie Curie, a trailblazing scientist who won two Nobel Prizes for her groundbreaking work on radioactivity. Written by her daughter Ève Curie, the book provides an intimate look at Marie's life, from her childhood in Poland to her marriage with Pierre Curie and her later years as a widow and mother. It highlights her dedication to science and her legacy as a pioneering figure for women in science.

Books are the original medium for communicating science to the masses. In a holiday special, producer Kunal Patel asks Babbage’s family of correspondents about the books that have inspired them in their careers as science journalists.

Host: Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor. Contributors: Rachel Dobbs, The Economist’s climate correspondent; Kenneth Cukier, our deputy executive editor; The Economist’s Emilie Steinmark; Geoff Carr, our senior editor for science and technology; and Abby Bertics, The Economist’s science correspondent.

Reading list: “The Periodic Table” by Primo Levi; “When We Cease to Understand the World” by Benjamín Labatut; “A Theory of Everyone” by Michael Muthukrishna; “Madame Curie” by Ève Curie; “Sociobiology” by E. O. Wilson; “The Selfish Gene” by Richard Dawkins; “Why Fish Don't Exist” by Lulu Miller; and “How Far the Light Reaches” by Sabrina Imbler.

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