Letters to a Young Scientist

By: Edward O. Wilxon

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Pulitzer Prize–winning biologist Edward O. Wilson imparts the wisdom of his storied career to the next generation.

Edward O. Wilson has distilled sixty years of teaching into a book for students, young and old. Reflecting on his coming-of-age in the South as a Boy Scout and a lover of ants and butterflies, Wilson threads these twenty-one letters, each richly illustrated, with autobiographical anecdotes that illuminate his career - both his successes and his failures - and his motivations for becoming a biologist. At a time in human history when our survival is more than ever linked to our understanding of science, Wilson insists that success in the sciences does not depend on mathematical skill, but rather a passion for finding a problem and solving it. From the collapse of stars to the exploration of rain forests and the oceans’ depths, Wilson instills a love of the innate creativity of science and a respect for the human being’s modest place in the planet’s ecosystem in his readers.

©2013 Edward O. Wilson (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Short Advice Series from Famous Scientist

In this part-discussion of science careers, part-memoir, Dr. Edward O. Wilson offers advice and support for young scientists. I loved listening to this, as it is pretty much exactly what I was searching for, and as a budding scientific researcher myself, it was exactly what I needed to hear at this point in my career.

Edward O. Wilson is famous for his expertise in ants, co-founding the terminology "Evolutionary Biology", and with MacArthur describing the Theory of Island Biogeography. In addition to the advice he gives to young scientists, Wilson frames his wisdom through stories of his youth, early career, research triumphs and toils, and experience as a mentor. It was so refreshing to hear of his exploits and extremely heartening to hear such a renown scientist speak about the potential and encouragement of new professionals without being patronizing or overly judgmental.

This is a great short read for anyone in the sciences or STEM career, whether pre-science career, early career, or even later in their career. I think there is a lot to gain from this, and is good food for thought. I am so glad I listened to this at this point in my life, while I am in graduate school studying Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management, and I can see myself coming back to this in order to re-read its wise words some day.

odd voice changes

It was very obvious that there was a second reader chiming in to complete some statements and trying to match the voice of the main reader. While it wasn't offputting or bad it pulled me from story briefly every time.

great read for someone who is questioning

recently switched my major to biology and this made me feel so much better about that decision

Inspiring and thought provoking

Dry details but overall reassuring for someone questioning whether or not to pursue a career in science.

great candid guidance to have a rewarding career

content and candidness are great . very good to listen to on way to work

Genuinely changed and enriched my life and career

I cannot put into words what this book and it's excellent narration means to people like or even unlike myself.

love it

Great book for either beginning or continuing biology and ecology professionals. a lot of great advices to move forward.

Very pronunciation

I absolutely loved the book, but the reading left a lot to be desired. Ecosystem is not pronounced Echosystem. There were a number of other similar words that were grossly mispronounced.

Inspiring and Motivating

So many times I've said " I wish I could absorb all the knowledge and wisdom of influential people in science". This book provides that opportunity
and gives some amazing advise to young scientist as well as to seasoned scientist. In the beginning the narrator is hard to understand but by the middle of the book he does become easier to understand.

Good for budding researchers

Gives you a good framework of researching , as well as an interesting read for anyone amateur.