Letters to a Young Scientist

Letters to a Young Scientist is a 2013 nonfiction book by American biologist Edward O. Wilson (1929-2021). Wilson is among the most influential evolutionary biologists and entomologists of the 20th century. He published dozens of books about his discoveries, about the field of biology in general, and about the importance of preserving biodiversity on Earth. His work spanned several genres, from textbooks, to nonfiction, to essays, to fiction, to autobiography. He won two Pulitzer Prizes: one for On Human Nature (1979), and one for The Ants (1990). The title and premise of Letters to a Young Scientist is inspired by poet Rainer Maria Rilke’s famous book, Letters to a Young Poet. In a series of letters to future scientists, Wilson provides his most important pieces of advice about the qualities that make a great scientist, the realities of the scientific community, and the value of biodiversity.

This guide uses the 2013 e-book from Liveright Publishing Corporation.

Content Warning: This guide discusses eugenics and scientific racism. 

Summary

Wilson starts by assuring young readers that they have made the correct choice by going into the sciences, as the world badly needs scientists to help solve major problems like climate change and the loss of biodiversity.