Alan Lightman has dedicated a significant portion of his writing career to exploring scientific revelation, the limits of understanding, and extraordinary discoveries from the realm of research. His newest publication, “The Shape of Wonder,” co-written with the esteemed British astrophysicist Martin Rees and released this month by Penguin Random House, provides profiles of scientists alongside a critique of scientific methodologies, bringing researchers to life and affirmatively advocating for the significance of their contributions. Lightman serves as a professor of humanities practice in MIT’s Comparative Media Studies/Writing Program; Rees is a fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge University, and the UK’s Astronomer Royal. Lightman discussed the fresh volume with MIT News.
Q: What is the focus of your latest book?
A: The book aims to illuminate who scientists are and their thought processes. Martin and I crafted it to tackle multiple issues. One includes the skepticism toward scientists and their institutions, a global concern. We observed this issue highlighted during the pandemic. This skepticism seems tied to a notion amongst some that scientists and their institutions belong to an elite class, which is a characteristic of the worldwide populist movement. In recent years, a lot of misinformation has circulated regarding science. Moreover, many individuals remain unaware of who scientists truly are.
Another crucial aspect is the lack of comprehension regarding evidence-based critical thought. When scientists acquire new data and insights, their theories and recommendations evolve. However, this process, integral to the scientific method, is often misunderstood outside scientific circles. These are the challenges we address in the book. We profile numerous scientists and portray them as genuine individuals, most of whom strive for societal improvement or personal intellectual exploration rather than pursuing political or financial motives. Our aim is to render scientists more relatable while illustrating their cognitive processes.
Q: You highlight several prominent individuals in the book, as well as those who are less recognized. Who are some of the personalities featured?
A: One individual is Lace Riggs, a young neuroscientist working at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT. She faced challenging circumstances while growing up in southern California, chose to pursue science, earned a PhD in neuroscience, and is currently a postdoc studying the effects of various compounds on the brain and their potential to develop drugs for specific mental disorders. Another intriguing figure is Magdalena Lenda, an ecologist from Poland. As a child, her father sold fish and would take her into the countryside, identifying plants, which sparked her interest in ecology. She focuses on combating invasive species. The goal is to delve into people’s lives and passions, portraying them as well-rounded individuals.
While portraying scientists in a relatable light within the book, we also reveal how critical thought functions in science. Importantly, critical thinking is not exclusive to scientists. Accountants, physicians, and numerous others utilize critical reasoning. I’ve conversed with my car mechanic regarding the types of issues that arise in the shop. People are often unaware of what triggers the check engine light—be it the catalytic converter, oxidized spark plugs, etc.—so mechanics generally start with the simplest and least expensive solutions and work their way through potential problems systematically. That serves as a textbook example of critical thinking. In science, it involves comparing your ideas and hypotheses against data, then revising them when necessary.
Q: Are there shared themes linking the various scientists presented in the book?
A: There are indeed shared themes, yet no singular scientific archetype. The array of personalities in the sciences is vast. However, one common thread is that all the scientists I am acquainted with are fervent about their pursuits. They work for societal benefit and out of genuine intellectual curiosity. This connection binds all the individuals featured in the book and many other scientists I’ve encountered. I wish more individuals in America would grasp this: Scientists are dedicated to the greater good. Science represents a remarkable success saga. Due to scientific progress, since 1900, the life expectancy in the U.S. has risen from just over 45 years to nearly 80 years in a mere century, primarily owing to our advancements in disease management. What could be more crucial than your lifespan?
This book represents only a small step toward what remains to be addressed. Nevertheless, we all contribute in our own capacities.