One of my mentors in science is an accomplished researcher and prolific writer, having authored numerous book chapters, journal articles, grants and patents. He is a gifted pianist and composer. Describing him as a creative genius would not be misrepresentative.
However, one day I found myself in the unfamiliar and somewhat appalling position of pitying him. This came about after a conversation during which I mentioned some of my favorite books. He looked at me quizzically. "I don't read for pleasure," he said. I must have looked incredulous. He seemed almost apologetic but was quite adamant. "Really. I don't like to read fiction or anything outside of my field, actually. But I love reading journal articles. I get so engrossed in them and excited by them that I don't have a desire to read anything less...consequential."
As admirable as this sentiment might seem for a scientist, it was austere and foreign to me. Scientific research is not a clinical endeavor from the scientist's point of view. A scientist who is passionate about his work lives it, nurtures it, defends it, revels in it and occasionally despairs of it. The tangible rewards of a career in science are scarce (especially for grad students!). Scientists are zealots with an operatic outlook: ebullient one minute, cynical and defeated the next. A good book, a pleasurable book, elicits this same euphoria and misery in the reader. Teaching literacy through reading for pleasure as well as for knowledge ignites the passion and drive and dedication that supports a science career.
Scientists are not necessarily searching for happy ending, but a fascinating, exhilarating one.
Three of my favorite books, all conveniently packaged in one volume!
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