logo

48 pages 1 hour read

Letters to a Young Scientist

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Edward O. Wilson

Letters to a Young Scientist

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Letters to a Young Scientist by Edward O. Wilson is a series of letters offering advice to aspiring scientists, emphasizing dedication, creativity, and resilience in the face of criticism. Wilson shares his journey from a poor student with a passion for entomology to a renowned biologist, stressing that high intelligence is less important than patience and hard work. He affirms the primacy of science for humanity's understanding of the world and its problems, such as biodiversity loss. The book also discusses eugenics and scientific racism.

Informative

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,969 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Edward O. Wilson's Letters to a Young Scientist is praised for its inspirational and insightful guidance, offering both personal anecdotes and practical advice for aspiring scientists. Reviewers commend Wilson's engaging writing and encouragement of curiosity and perseverance. Criticisms include a perceived lack of diverse perspectives and an overemphasis on his own experiences. Overall, it remains a valuable read for young scientific minds.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Letters to a Young Scientist?

Ideal readers for Letters to a Young Scientist by Edward O. Wilson are aspiring scientists, nature enthusiasts, and students seeking inspiration in STEM fields. Comparable to Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene and Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, this book offers insights into a scientific career via personal anecdotes and practical advice.

4.2

4,969 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.