Avoid Boring People

By James D. Watson

Book Overview

From Nobel Prize-winning scientist James D. Watson, a living legend for his work unlocking the structure of DNA, comes this candid and entertaining memoir, filled with practical advice for those starting out their academic careers. In Avoid Boring People , Watson lays down a life's wisdom for getting ahead in a competitive world. Witty and uncompromisingly honest, he shares his thoughts on how young scientists should choose the projects that will shape their careers, the supreme importance of collegiality, and dealing with competitors within the same institution. It's an irreverent romp through Watson's colorful career and an indispensable guide to anyone interested in nurturing the life of the mind.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375727140
• ISBN13: 9780375727146
• Release Date: May 2010
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Knowing 'why' is more important than knowing 'what'

In this rather candid autobiography James D. Watson gives astute advice for teachers, scientists, science careerists and university deans. It is written more for insiders (e.g., for those in charge of (Harvard) University policies) or specialists (molecular biologists) and repeats part of his previous books (the DNA double helix story). There is also a lack of specific comments on world history events, except a few general...

A strangely ironic work

James Watson, the scientist most famous for discoverign and writing about the Double Helix, writes a broad autobiography, complete with advice to those following in his footsteps. The book is heaviest on the people he met in life, and lighter on science, which makes for entertaining reading by a broader audience. Those looking for details on the science discovered (as opposed to the author's aquaintances) are best advised...

Self Revelations by 'Honest Jim' - Enjoy!

"Avoid Boring People: Lessons From a Life in Science," by James D. Watson, Alfred A. Knopf, NY 2007. ISBN-978-0-375-41284-4, HC 327 pages, plus 13 pgs. Cast of Characters and a brief Foreword & Preface, 74 B & W photographs, 9 1/2" x 6 1/2". Dr. James Dewey Watson, 1962 Nobelist with F. Crick and M. Wilkins for discovery of the Double Helix DNA structure, is now an octogenarian who's authored eight widely-read and...

A great look inside the life of a scientist

Amongst the recent turmoil over his racial comments, I decided to pick up his book while at a local bookstore yesterday. I'm a chemistry PhD student, so not much of a critiquer. However, I know good science writing when I see it, and this is good science writing. My favorite aspect of the book is that he shows you what it is like to develop into a scientist, both dreams lost and gained. Since I am in academia, this was especially...

Very Insightful!

James Watson did not win the Nobel prize helping discover the double-helix structure of DNA by being stupid. Thus, it is no surprise that his "Avoid Boring People" is full of insightful and invaluable observations gained during his work. These "Remembered Lessons" are primarily aimed at those in academic/research endeavors; however, a large proportion apply to any area of focus. Examples follow: College is for learning...