Name: Advice to a young scientist
Uploaded: 2012-06-25T15:00:23Z
Duration: 14 min 39 s
Description: "The world needs you, badly," says legendary biologist E.O. Wilson in his letter to a young scientist. He gives advice collected from a lifetime of experience -- and reminds us that wonder and creativity are the center of the scientific life.

"The world needs you, badly," says legendary biologist E.O. Wilson in his letter to a young scientist. He gives advice collected from a lifetime of experience -- and reminds us that wonder and creativity are the center of the scientific life.

Advice to a young scientist

The world faces a rapid techno-scientific revolution, with scientific knowledge now doubling every 15 to 20 years. Imagination and curiosity, not just technical skills, drive transformative discoveries and progress. Even those with minimal mathematical training can excel by focusing on their passions and seeking unexplored scientific frontiers. Building deep expertise in new or sparsely inhabited fields leads to outsized impact and personal fulfillment.

Imagination, Not Math Skills, Powers Scientific Breakthroughs

E.O. Wilson's TED Prize wish

TED Prize

education

math

science

storytelling

success

youth

technology

humanity

society

social change

future

biology

medical research

work

potential

personal growth

TED Stage Talk

E.O. Wilson: Advice to a young scientist