Lightman Book
I wanted to put a good word in for Alan Lightman’s new book A Sense of the Mysterious. It’s a collection of essays he’s written over the last several years, and if you want to get a sense of his work this is a good place to start.
Lightman is a physicist at MIT, and he can popularize science when he wants to, but he’s more one of the rare people who understands science but has the heart of a writer, a sensitive heart that is able to communicate the joys and the travails of what it’s like to be a scientist.
He does this not only from his own point of view, but is equally adept at portraying other scientists as well. He reminds me of Jeremy Bernstein, but with even more of an appreciation for the humanity of science. Check it out.
Keep Reading
Most Popular

Anti-aging drugs are being tested as a way to treat covid
Drugs that rejuvenate our immune systems and make us biologically younger could help protect us from the disease’s worst effects.

These materials were meant to revolutionize the solar industry. Why hasn’t it happened?
Perovskites are promising, but real-world conditions have held them back.

The baby formula shortage has birthed a shady online marketplace
Desperate parents just want to feed their babies. They’re having to contend with misinformation, price gouging, and scams along the way.

I tried to buy an Olive Garden NFT. All I got was heartburn.
Our newest issue spells out what you need to know about the dizzying world of digital money.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.