Customer Reviews

Making Genes, Making Waves: A Social Activist in Science

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An intelligent, clearly written book by Harvard microbiologist and social activist Jon Beckwith. He describes his eventful life in science and activism, and makes some interesting points about the nature of science: "the actual practice of science is a human endeavor with the flaws and virtues of any human activity." He emphasizes the importance of ethics in science, and says that scientists and non-scientists must work together for science to help mankind, and not be used unwisely. I knew Beckwith years ago when I lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and wish him well with the book.

Too much energy? Not convinced you can survive pent up and disconnected from the world in an academic ivory tower?

Neither could I. Jon Beckwith's personal memoir reconnected me with my larger purpose in life, and reminded me that real science stays connected to the real world. I strongly recommend this book to anyone considering a life in science or engineering (and especially those who are now considering leaving).

The book has a certain lack of polish, but this rawness helps create the personal flavor of the book: this is not a mass-market paperback, or some publisher telling the world what the world wants to hear. This book is a real account by a real person trying to make a real difference in peoples' lives.

as a phd student in biology, i attended a seminar by dr. beckwith and was interested in what he said regarding the ethical implications of our work as scientists. he is a great scientist with years of experience under his lab coat both in social activism and in research. it made me look into what i am doing not just as pure research for the sake of knowledge but also how it will impact negatively and/or positively the society and humanity. the only problem is that he talks alot about eugenics which has been dismissed by sceintists long time ago, and rarely talks about the current negative implications of some scientific discoveries on our daily life. nevertheless it is a must read for all young aspiring and old scientists