Matt Ridley

Matt Ridley’s latest book is The Rational Optimist: how prosperity evolves. It argues that the world is getting better not worse and that exchange and specialisation are the keys to human history. His books have sold over 800,000 copies, been translated into 27 languages and been short-listed for six literary prizes. In 2004 he won the National Academies Book Award from the US National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine for 'Nature via Nurture'. In 2007 he won the Davis Prize from the US History of Science Society for 'Francis Crick'. His career has included spells in scientific research (Oxford University 1979-83), journalism (The Economist 1983-1992) and as a board member of businesses ranging from venture capital to banking. He was the founding chairman of The International Centre for Life (1996-2003), a pioneering science village bringing together genetic education, research, clinical practice and public engagement. He is married to the neuroscientist Professor Anya Hurlbert. They have two children and live near Newcastle upon Tyne.

Innovation, because it is what raises human living standards and sparks scientific discovery (not the other way round).

Why are so many environmentalists keen on policies that would enlarge the human footprint? Organic farming and renewable energy mean using more land to produce food and energy. I think this is a mistake: if we double agricultural yields again we will feed more people from less land than we plough now -- an opportunity for massive ecological restoration in this century.

The first TED talk I saw (online) was Hans Rosling's original tour de force. It blew me away.

identifying bird song