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#389: Neil deGrasse Tyson — How to Dream Big, Think Scientifically, and Get More Done

Oct 3, 2019

Guest

Neil de Grasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson, the acclaimed astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium, explores his journey in science communication and the importance of curiosity in education. He reflects on his family's influence, the legacy of Carl Sagan, and how personal experiences shaped his passion for the universe. Tyson emphasizes the need for scientific literacy and balancing workloads while fostering a culture of inquiry. With a blend of humor and wisdom, he shares insights on problem-solving, leadership, and the bittersweet relationship with reading and authorship.

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ANECDOTE

NYC as a Learning Laboratory

Neil deGrasse Tyson's parents exposed him to diverse cultural experiences throughout NYC.
This "learning laboratory" fostered his curiosity and ultimately led him to astrophysics.

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ANECDOTE

Remainder Table Books

Tyson's parents nurtured his interest in the universe by providing him with books.
His mother would buy discounted science books, fostering his learning.

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ANECDOTE

Sagan's Influence

A young Neil deGrasse Tyson was inspired by Carl Sagan's communication style.
Sagan's use of analogies, like comparing a payload to a coffee can, made science relatable.

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Journey into Astrophysics and Communication

04:28 • 19min

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Influences of Family Legacy and Support in Shaping Interests

23:47 • 4min

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The Bittersweet Journey of Reading and Writing

27:48 • 2min

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The Legacy of Carl Sagan in Science Communication

29:28 • 9min

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Fostering Curiosity in Education and Inquiry

38:25 • 31min

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Mastering Balance and Commitment

01:08:58 • 26min

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Wrestling with Memory and Meaning

01:34:42 • 9min

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Curiosity and Sponsorships

01:43:47 • 6min

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Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Neil deGrasse Tyson

In *Astrophysics for People in a Hurry*, Neil deGrasse Tyson provides a broad selection of topics in astrophysics, including the evolution of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the search for life beyond Earth. The book is based on essays Tyson wrote for his Universe column in *Natural History* magazine between 1995 and 2005. It offers entertaining insights into the challenges in science and the implications of understanding our universe, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for busy readers.

Space Chronicles

Facing the Ultimate Frontier

Neil deGrasse Tyson

In 'Space Chronicles', Neil deGrasse Tyson presents a compelling and humorous look at the history, current state, and future of space exploration. The book includes a candid introductory essay on NASA and partisan politics, and it covers a wide range of topics from the benefits of space exploration for education and the economy to the role of manned missions and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Tyson argues that regaining enthusiasm and curiosity about space is crucial for America to maintain its status as a global leader and technological innovator.

Cosmos

A Personal Voyage

Carl Sagan

In 'Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,' Carl Sagan takes readers on a journey through space and time, exploring the origins of the universe, the nature of stars and galaxies, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The book is a companion to the popular PBS television series of the same name and combines science, philosophy, and history to provide a broad perspective on the cosmos and humanity's place within it.

Bad Science

Ben Goldacre

In 'Bad Science,' Ben Goldacre critiques the current state of science as presented to the public, focusing on the misrepresentation of science by the media, the flaws in alternative therapies, and the misleading practices of pharmaceutical companies. The book explains basic scientific principles, such as the placebo effect, regression to the mean, and the importance of randomized and double-blinded trials. Goldacre also discusses cognitive biases, the role of media in promoting public misunderstanding of science, and the ethical issues in drug development and advertising. Written in an engaging and humorous style, the book aims to help readers differentiate between good and bad science practices.

The great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

How to lie with statistics

IRVING HUFF DARRELL with illustrations by GEIS

Darrell Huff

Irving Geis

Bryan Depuy

In 'How to Lie with Statistics', Darrell Huff provides an engaging introduction to the ways statistics can be manipulated or misinterpreted. The book covers topics such as biased sampling, misleading averages, and the manipulation of graphs. It serves as a practical guide for readers to critically evaluate statistical information.

Death by Black Hole

And Other Cosmic Quandaries

Neil deGrasse Tyson

This book is an anthology of over 40 essays written by Neil deGrasse Tyson, originally published in Natural History magazine between 1995 and 2005. It covers a wide range of cosmic topics, such as the augmentation of human senses for scientific discovery, the universal laws of physics, the pitfalls of generalizing from limited evidence, and the various ways the universe can pose threats to life. The book also explores the interface between science and culture, including critiques of astronomical errors in popular films and discussions on the role of religion in science. Tyson's writing is characterized by his conversational tone and infectious enthusiasm for astrophysics.

The Pluto Files

Neil deGrasse Tyson

In 'The Pluto Files', Neil deGrasse Tyson chronicles the journey of Pluto from its discovery in 1930 to its reclassification as a dwarf planet in 2006. The book delves into the scientific debate and the public's emotional response to Pluto's demotion, highlighting the intersection of science and culture. Tyson's narrative is both entertaining and educational, offering a unique perspective on how our understanding of the solar system evolves.

Letters from an Astrophysicist

Neil de Grasse Tyson

In 'Letters from an Astrophysicist', Neil deGrasse Tyson shares a personal and candid collection of correspondence with people worldwide, offering insights into science, faith, philosophy, and life. The book includes his responses to various queries, from hate mail to questions about the universe, showcasing his passion for science education and his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner.

Almagest

Mathematical Treatise

Claudius Ptolemy

The Almagest, by Claudius Ptolemy, is a comprehensive treatise on astronomy that presented a geocentric model of the universe and served as the authoritative astronomical text for over 1400 years.

“What matters is: Are you a good problem solver? Are you moral? Are you a hard worker? Are you a good leader? Do you have insights into the field? These are the questions that matter.” — Neil deGrasse Tyson

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) was appointed the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium in 1996. Dr. Tyson’s professional research interests are primarily related to the structure of the Milky Way galaxy, and the formation of stars, supernovas, and dwarf galaxies.

Dr. Tyson graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, received his BA from Harvard, and earned his PhD in astrophysics from Columbia University in 1991. In 2001 he was appointed by President Bush to serve on the 12-member Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry. In 2004 Dr. Tyson received a second appointment from President Bush, this time to the nine-member President’s Commission on the Implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy (dubbed the “Moon, Mars, and Beyond” commission). In 2016 he was appointed by the US secretary of defense to be an advisor to the DoD on the future of sci-tech innovation.

Dr. Tyson has been awarded 21 honorary degrees as well as the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, and he has authored multiple books on the universe, including Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier, Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries, which was a New York Times bestseller, and The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet, chronicling his experience at the center of the controversy over Pluto’s planetary status.

His newest book is Letters from an Astrophysicist, a companion to his 2017 bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.

Since 2006 Dr. Tyson has appeared as the on-camera host of PBS-NOVA’s spinoff program NOVA ScienceNOW. He also hosts a popular radio show and podcast called StarTalk in addition to the Emmy-nominated StarTalk TV show on National Geographic.

In 2014 Dr. Tyson hosted a reboot of Carl Sagan’s Cosmos.

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