E.O. Wilson: Advice to young scientists

[riddler]

I must admit, I needed this... I am starting over at 28 and going back to school to shoot for a PHD in BioChem. Great talk to calm the nerves and ease some of the fears I have.

[YoAddicts]

Wilson's principles:
1) Find a field which interests you deeply and focus on that.
2) A certain level of a subject (e.g. mathematics) is already enough to achieve excellence.
3) March away from the sound of the guns.
4) More difficult the problem; the greater will be the importance of the solution

[stjamal]

"March away from the sound of the gun." I'm so glad to hear an elder scientist say this to the younger generation.

[RachelHannah]

He is the kind of person that KEEPS students motivated and passionate about science and science careers

[MegaElvisd]

I like how Wilson cuts off the self-congratulatory applause that he knew would otherwise come at 3:20.  Class act here.

[rodrigovinicius]

Rest in Peace, Dr. Wilson. Your groundbreaking ideas and terrific explanations will echo in the minds and hearts of young scientists like me and many others to come.

[katedonnell]

So cute how surprised he was at the standing ovations he got.

[waggishquetzalcoatlu]

letters to a young scientist is a very very helpful book. i would definitely rec giving it a read

[marofe]

"In attempts to make scientific discovery every problem is an opportunity and the more difficult the problem is the greater will be the importance of its solution".

[saikatify]

I want to be a mathematician and I found this speech very inspiring. It sounds like poetry.

[antsfrance]

Feels so sad to have lost this towering giant of science, may his words remain with us and remind us the the greats were not greats but just humsn beings shining the torch of discovery and knowledge on the darkest fronts of science, may this great man rest in peace.

[noelleckuson]

This book is beyond inspiring. Friends can’t support your new journey how his words speak to you in his book, Letters to a Young Scientist. It’s like hearing your positive consciousness speaking to you, it’s what you need to hear before embarking in a science degree

[irmakbengul]

When choosing a field: 1- Consider your area of ​​interest and qualifications 2- Focus on unpopular research topics, this will allow you to rise more secretly. While in the army, soldiers are told to go towards where the gunshot is coming from. In science, on the contrary, avoid gunfire. Start your own war. 3- Every problem encountered on the path of scientific discovery is an opportunity. A hunter may catch new prey while pursuing elusive prey.

[TheDoubleBee]

Science literacy, especially for people in power, really is one of the most important areas to advance.

[dawnandy]

I remember picking his book Sociobiology up when I was browsing the university book store in the late 70s. I LOVED it. RIP you were appreciated and will be missed.

[dixit]

I'm just a high schooler and I am good at my subjects (PCM) but the problem is that I belong to India where research is ignored in front of engineering. We don't have very good colleges for research or I can say research isn't promoted much here (if compared to the US or other nations). I fear that I may loose directions right from this age and may waste a big chunk of time, but still I have a strong desire and decision in mind that no matter what, I'm going to largely contribute in development of my species and civilization.
Thankyou Sir for these important words.

[Jen-]

I am hearing this ted talk (2024) with 2 more years before I graduarte and I can help but feel sentimental and motivation for I started late (gap years) in my studies and even change my career degree last minute. I don't regret doing it because I am passionate and the more i learn and see the world need of me the more I get fired up. I hope everyone the best in life and never fear trying new things or learning at an older age.

[LimmingKenny]

TED has featured thousands of guests and this man's message is certainly among those worth sharing

[scidoctail]

Every time I get anxious about my research outcome, I listen to his speech and this makes me calm and productive.

[cnmaster]

Tragically, that is the case in a lot of schools however. While I was grinding at a chemistry degree, I had no difficulties maintaining a 4.0 in various science courses, but I was shoehorned into calculus without any mathematical background to speak of past high school geometry. After countless hours of tutoring, and 4 semesters bumping down the totem pole all the way to Algebra with no signs of success, I was told by the administration to reconsider my degree, despite my spotless lab record.