Mind, Life, and Universe

Conversations with Great Scientists of Our Time

by Lynn Margulis, Eduardo Punset

Foreword by David Suzuki

Praise

A marvelous collection of fascinating interviews, Mind, Life, and Universe is a splendid introduction to the thoughts of some of the greatest and most interesting scientific minds in the world today.

—James W. Walker, Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

In this smorgasbord of science, Eduardo Punset (the Bill Moyers of Spanish TV) lets us sample the central ideas of dozens of prominent scientists he has interviewed over the years. The payoff from such a buffet is being introduced to new fascinating minds . . . dishes that make me want to taste more.

—Charles Lineweaver, Planetary Science Institute, Australian National University

It is wonderful to hear these scientists respond in their own voice to such interesting questions. A book full of nuggets of wisdom.

—David Baltimore, Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine (1975) and President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

This book gives a fascinating overview of current research on life and its origins, man, and the cosmos from many different levels of perspective—the 'cosmic zoom' or 'powers of ten' shifting of perspective made famous by Philip Morrison. I learned much that was new to me. Just as important, I unlearned much that is widely believed but not true. Very stimulating; its conversational prose is so readable!

—James Strick, Department of Earth and Environment, and Chair of the Program in Science, Technology and Society, Franklin and Marshall College

Science and technology affect every facet of our lives, yet the content of science often seems remote and arcane. In first-hand, candid interviews, Mind, Life, and Universe not only explores the cutting-edge content of science, but it also reminds us, as beautifully as any book I know, that the pursuit of science is an intensely human endeavor.

—Robert Hazen, Carnegie Institution and George Mason University

What a delight it is to eavesdrop on conversations with so many agile, inventive, piquantly original minds. That the interviewers are farsighted and wide-ranging themselves enriches the dialogues. A profound and timely book.

—Diane Ackerman, author of The Zookeeper’s Wife