Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science
Language: English
Published by Knopf, New York, 2007
- First Edition
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Turn the Page, Albany, NY, U.S.A.Turn the Page
AbeBooks seller since May 15, 2025
Condition: Used - Fine
US$ 15.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science by James D. Watson. Knopf, 2007. Fourth printing hardcover in fine condition, appears unread but for owner's signature on tip-in page. Dust jacket in fine condition, unclipped with $26.95 price (see photos). In this candid memoir, Nobel laureate James D. Watson reflects on his life in science, from the discovery of the DNA double helix to his career in research and academia, offering personal anecdotes and lessons along the way.
Seller Inventory # 000932
- Title
- Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science
- Author
- Watson, James D.
- Publisher
- Knopf, New York
- Publication year
- 2007
- Condition
- Fine
- Dust jacket
- Fine
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0375412840
- ISBN 13
- 9780375412844
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Printing
- 4th Printing
- Item weight
- 737 grams
- Dimensions
- 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall
Recounting the years of his own formation—from his father’s birding lessons to the political cat’s cradle of professorship at Harvard—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 goodness’ sake--don’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 Watson’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.
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My late wife and I spent a lot of time accumulating books, especially during COVID. With her gone, the books are a reminder of her. Hence, it's time for me to Turn the Page.
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