Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science

In this rather candid autobiography James D. Watson gives astute advice for teachers, scientists, science careerists and university deans. It is written more for insiders (e.g., for those in charge of (Harvard) University policies) or specialists (molecular biologists) and repeats part of his previous books (the DNA double helix story). There is also a lack of specific comments on world history events, except a few general remarks (`bribes, not soldiers, were generally the best way to promote American foreign policy objectives in Asia'). More, as a government consultant, he reports calmly on biological weapons (anthrax, rice blast, puffer fish toxin), knowing perfectly well that `the military is interested in what scientists know, not what they think'. The author is still shocked by human irrationality and stupidity (`the wishful thinking that genes don't influence the behavior of humans and animals remains vigorous'). However, his book ends on an extremely important, rather very high, but also controversial note. Between now and ten to fifteen years, particular genes (or genetic factors) will be found which determine human intellectual abilities and psychopathies; also the malfunctioning of certain genes (DNA sequences) causing such illnesses as autism and schizophrenia will be detected and hopefully rectified. Gene research will change dramatically the way we shall look at ourselves. Only for specialists.

James Watson, the scientist most famous for discoverign and writing about the Double Helix, writes a broad autobiography, complete with advice to those following in his footsteps. The book is heaviest on the people he met in life, and lighter on science, which makes for entertaining reading by a broader audience. Those looking for details on the science discovered (as opposed to the author's aquaintances) are best advised to look elsewhere. There are several interesting ironies in the book. At the end of each chapter is a list of "Manners" describing career advice, yet much of Honest Jim's behavior (chasing undergads, writing unflattering portaits of his colleagues in the Double Helix) is extremely unmannered. Additionally, some of the flourish he adds as head of the Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory (expensive renovations on his home) are at odds with the financial mess he was brought in to fix. The quality of an autobiography, though, shouldn't be judged on a character assessment of the writer. The book gives a non-technical view of the life of one of American's most reknowned scientists, and provides a much broader view than he provided in the Double Helix. The "Manners" do indeed provide advice for junior scientists. Perhaps most important, it isn't boring, and that's a trap hard to avoid in scientific autobiographies.

"Avoid Boring People: Lessons From a Life in Science," by James D. Watson, Alfred A. Knopf, NY 2007. ISBN-978-0-375-41284-4, HC 327 pages, plus 13 pgs. Cast of Characters and a brief Foreword & Preface, 74 B & W photographs, 9 1/2" x 6 1/2". Dr. James Dewey Watson, 1962 Nobelist with F. Crick and M. Wilkins for discovery of the Double Helix DNA structure, is now an octogenarian who's authored eight widely-read and acclaimed books whose prose goes from A to Z & at 1 to 60 mph in contemplation's of sophisticated molecular biology using scientific jargon, OR as one that mirrors, chronologically, an attentive preoccupation in disclosing personal introspective revelations of one's musings on people and events that he, seemingly, evaluates critically and unceasingly in acute terms of being good, bad or even ugly. His cast of formidable characters includes more than 88 notables, most world-renowned scientists or ranking scholars, but no less importantly emphsized are his characterizations of various teaching and research centers or facilities, living quarters or residences in which he lived, taught, visited or studied at. This Chronicle is thoughtfully divided into 15 chapters, each conclude with enumeration of a half-dozen learned manners or lessons beginning in childhood until the present time terminating with the year 2006 resignation of Harvard's 27th president, Larry Summers, in favor of Drew Gilpin Faust. The book is unsettling, revealing some censuring and condemnations emanating from his intensely preoccupied quest for scientific discoveries at expense of acquiring and thus a void in balance of societal skills, being virtually incapable, thereby, of "small talk" and appreciably introverted and ego-centric, but none-the-less an acclaimed research biologist of first magnitude. His personal evaluation of Larry Summers's flaws (Harvard's youngest to matriculate) includes a conjecture of possessing Asperger's syndrome variant and speculating a 5 to 10 point IQ drop, an age-adjustment, in wunderkind Summers' intellect, musing that being genetically based Summers should find some sympathy from the furor triggered by his 'women-and science' firestorm that preceded his resignation and must be viewed as 'divinatory' in light of the 'race-IQ-diversity' fury Watson himself precipitated while touring the UK in October 2007 touting this book whose title, is itself, enigmatic - readable either as 'do not bore people' or 'avoid people who may bore you'. It is comforting to read and know Dr. Watson is happily married to Liz (Lewis), a Columbia University graduate, and that they have two sons to keep them busy; Watson knows full-well that avant garde research is for the young & restless so he ought bask in glories past. The book is an important read, for despite the furor which led to Watson's step down as Chancellor of CSHL, he is one of our important scientists who was well aware of treacheries in inciting anger when political correctness mus

Amongst the recent turmoil over his racial comments, I decided to pick up his book while at a local bookstore yesterday. I'm a chemistry PhD student, so not much of a critiquer. However, I know good science writing when I see it, and this is good science writing. My favorite aspect of the book is that he shows you what it is like to develop into a scientist, both dreams lost and gained. Since I am in academia, this was especially fitting, as the behind the scenes politics are hidden from view from the lowly graduate student. Aside from what he has recently said, I would highly recommend this book. This man won the Nobel prize for some of the most creative ingenious work with genetics ever done. A man like that should be heard above the cries of the ultra-sensitive. Read it. You wont be dissapointed.

James Watson did not win the Nobel prize helping discover the double-helix structure of DNA by being stupid. Thus, it is no surprise that his "Avoid Boring People" is full of insightful and invaluable observations gained during his work. These "Remembered Lessons" are primarily aimed at those in academic/research endeavors; however, a large proportion apply to any area of focus. Examples follow: College is for learning how to think. Learning "Why?" something occurred is much more important than a few facts (eg. the reasons for the rise and fall of the Roman Empire are more important than the birth date of Julius Caesar). It is better to simply know which books hold details you will need than to overload oneself with facts that never will be repeated. On the other hand, new ideas usually need new facts. Students should choose courses that naturally interest them, and if one's grades are not largely a, they likely have not yet found their intellectual calling. One should narrow down their career objectives while still in college. The academic world abounds in triviality. Choose a young thesis adviser - the older ones' expertise is most likely in fields that long ago had seen their better days, leaving devotees with diminished job expectations. Those breaking new ground inevitably threaten minds continuing in old ways. Extend yourself intellectually through courses that initially frighten - eg. math is necessary to pursue the frontiers of genetics. Never accept invitations to senior faculty homes unless you have reason to anticipate a very good meal or a fetching face. Exercise exorcises intellectual blahs. If you are just a little sloppy you have a good chance of introducing an unsuspected variable and nailing down an important new phenomena; too sloppy, however, and you never get reproducible results. Choose a research objective apparently ahead of its time - mopping up the details after a major discovery by others will not likely mark you as an important scientist; however, only take on problems where meaningful results can come over a 3-5 year interval. Work with a teammate who is your intellectual equal - this helps shorten flirtations with bad ideas. Teaching can make your mind move onto big problems - especially when challenged by advanced students. Exaggerations do not void basic truths; emphasizing exceptions and qualifying terms is not the way to get ideas across initially. Controversial recommendations require political backing. Never offer tenure to practitioners of dying disciplines - eg. plant biology. The result will be an unwarranted appeal to less qualified students. Begin and end every chapter of a book with a snappy sentence. Don't take up golf - becomes too much of an obsession for too many. Similarly, two obsessions is one to many - must focus. Managers should schedule as few appointments as possible - just say "Yes" immediately to legitimate requests, even if you don't have the money. Walk the gr