Letters to a Young Scientist

Wilson points out that his interest in entomology never wavered throughout his life, positioning this unchanging attitude as important for young scientists. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this approach? What benefits might a scientist gain from having a broader range of interests, or a passion discovered later in life instead?

This text is inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet (1929). Read Rilke’s work and then compare and contrast it with Wilson’s book. In what ways is the advice given in the two works different or similar?

Wilson briefly mentions that he is a novelist. In 2010, he published Anthill: A Novel, which explores the importance of ecological preservation. Consider that text and this one. Which type of writing do you think is more effective at expressing Wilson’s ideas about biodiversity? Why?

If you are a scientist, work in the sciences, or are considering a scientific career, how did this book change or confirm the way you think about your profession? If you do not work in the sciences, did this book provide any notable inspiration or push you to learn more about the sciences?

Wilson introduces several famous experiments and major concepts in entomology and evolutionary biology. Choose one such concept or experiment and research it. What did you learn? How did what you learned compare to what Wilson said about the experiment in this book?

Some of Wilson’s views were very controversial, especially his support for the work of J. Philippe Rushton. Can you see these views coming through in Letters to a Young Scientist? How do you think these views impacted Wilson’s work?

Which pieces of Wilson’s advice do you think are the most applicable to young scientists today? Which are the least applicable? What factors have helped you form these opinions?

Wilson tells many anecdotes in this book, attempting to make scientific discussions comprehensible to laypeople. What other tactics does he use in seeking to make science appealing and accessible? What are the strengths and weaknesses of his approach?