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.

E.O. Wilson: Advice to a young scientist

Advice to a young scientist

"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 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

science

technology

education

social change

biology

future

storytelling

TED Prize

success

work

personal growth

potential

humanity

math

society

medical research

youth

TED Stage Talk