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.
'Why Fish Don't Exist' by Lulu Miller challenges the idea of clear boundaries in nature and invites readers to question categorization and its limits.
'Sociobiology' by Edward Wilson and 'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins present a gene-centered view of evolution, emphasizing the role of genes in shaping behavior and species evolution.
'How Far the Light Reaches' by Sabrina Imbler uses sea creatures as metaphors to explore personal experiences, blending biography, memoir, and science to offer a unique perspective on the connections between nature and narratives.
Deep dives
The Science Books That Have Inspired Us
The podcast episode features a discussion with various correspondents from The Economist about their favorite science books. Each correspondent shares their chosen book and explains why it resonated with them. The books discussed include 'Sociobiology' by Edward Wilson and 'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins, which both explore a gene-centered view of evolution; 'Why Fish Don't Exist' by Lulu Miller, which examines the concept of categorization and its limits; 'How Far the Light Reaches' by Sabrina Imbler, a memoir that relates personal experiences to sea creatures; and 'Principia Mathematica' by Sir Isaac Newton, which is a foundational work on the workings of the universe. The correspondents highlight the imaginative storytelling, poetic prose, and emotional depth of these books, which have inspired their own work as science journalists.
Exploring the Complexity of Fish and Categorization
One of the correspondents recommends 'Why Fish Don't Exist' by Lulu Miller. The book delves into the challenges of categorizing fish and explores the concept of categorization more broadly. It challenges the notion that clear boundaries exist in nature and invites readers to question these artificial divisions. The correspondent finds resonance in the book's examination of how humans create categories to make sense of the world, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
A Gene-Centered View of Evolution
Two correspondents discuss 'Sociobiology' by Edward Wilson and 'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins. Both books present a gene-centered view of evolution, emphasizing the role of genes in shaping behavior and the evolution of species. The correspondents appreciate the intellectual clarity and explanatory power of these books, which have influenced the field of animal behavior and evolutionary biology. They highlight how these books have shaped their own understanding of evolution and fueled their curiosity in studying animal behavior.
Memoir Tied to Sea Creatures
One correspondent shares their love for 'How Far the Light Reaches' by Sabrina Imbler, which uses sea creatures as metaphors to explore the author's own life experiences. The book blends elements of biography, memoir, and science, offering a unique perspective on the connections between nature and personal narratives. The correspondent appreciates the vivid imagery, creative storytelling, and emotional depth of the book, which has inspired their own approach to communicating science.
Foundational Work on the Universe
One correspondent mentions 'Principia Mathematica' by Sir Isaac Newton, which is a seminal work describing the laws of motion and universal gravitation. While acknowledging the historical significance of the book, the correspondent also highlights its enduring impact on science and the deep understanding it provides of the universe. They appreciate the intellectual rigor and innovative thinking showcased in Newton's work, which continues to shape scientific inquiry and our understanding of the natural world.
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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