E.O. Wilson: Advice to young scientists

[@riddler251]

I must admit, I needed this... I am starting over at 28 and going back to school to shoot for a PHD in BioChem. Great talk to calm the nerves and ease some of the fears I have.

[@anahipadilla8618]

How are you today? Did you make it?

[@default6207]

How did you do? Do you have a PhD?

[@sessarichard]

Did you get it?

[@jamilaghazi8119]

it been 9 years bud, do you have it?

[@tilkiahri4489]

wow, im so proud of you

[@YoAddicts]

Wilson's principles: 1) Find a field which interests you deeply and focus on that. 2) A certain level of a subject (e.g. mathematics) is already enough to achieve excellence. 3) March away from the sound of the guns. 4) More difficult the problem; the greater will be the importance of the solution

[@hugopablo2030]

Thanks buddy. Really appreciate that.

[@Sean-ex9ip]

I think I know what that 3rd one means as I’m distancing myself from any negativity or temptations that sets me back. But that 4th one got to me. Thanks for this comment

[@mildyentertaining6204]

You didn’t put the fifth principle

[@FloraFauna321]

5) For every problem in a given discipline of science there exists a species/ entity / phenomenon ideal for its solution. Conversely for every species / entity / phenomenon there exists important problem for the solution of which those particular object of research is ideally suited.

[@MegaElvisd]

I like how Wilson cuts off the self-congratulatory applause that he knew would otherwise come at 3:20. Class act here.

[@rodrigovinicius8715]

Rest in Peace, Dr. Wilson. Your groundbreaking ideas and terrific explanations will echo in the minds and hearts of young scientists like me and many others to come.

[@RachelHannah363]

He is the kind of person that KEEPS students motivated and passionate about science and science careers

[@katedonnell9897]

So cute how surprised he was at the standing ovations he got.

[@amritashetty4090]

Kate Donnell Yes he was laughing like a child but Great scientist 😊

[@stjamal11]

"March away from the sound of the gun." I'm so glad to hear an elder scientist say this to the younger generation.

[@marofe]

"In attempts to make scientific discovery every problem is an opportunity and the more difficult the problem is the greater will be the importance of its solution".

[@waggishquetzalcoatlu]

letters to a young scientist is a very very helpful book. i would definitely rec giving it a read

[@Biomeducated]

I'm a 1st year PhD in Biomed. Sounds like I could use this book! ;) Thanks for the recommendation!

[@ProNorden]

Caroline, .. Monetizing Creation/Nature destroys/consumes it. #JewishGreed ? ✌😎

[@ramandeepKaur-mt4td]

Yh it's really gud

[@ryannapo7381]

the book is remarkable

[@fillemorte]

@@ProNorden no one cares you racist 🖕🏼

[@saikat93ify]

I want to be a mathematician and I found this speech very inspiring. It sounds like poetry.

[@aviralkhare8531]

How do you visualise or imagine mathematics equations?

[@Jen-121]

I am hearing this ted talk (2024) with 2 more years before I graduarte and I can help but feel sentimental and motivation for I started late (gap years) in my studies and even change my career degree last minute. I don't regret doing it because I am passionate and the more i learn and see the world need of me the more I get fired up. I hope everyone the best in life and never fear trying new things or learning at an older age.

[@noelleckuson]

This book is beyond inspiring. Friends can’t support your new journey how his words speak to you in his book, Letters to a Young Scientist. It’s like hearing your positive consciousness speaking to you, it’s what you need to hear before embarking in a science degree

[@mamirnazirnazir7789]

Book name?

[@TheDoubleBee]

Science literacy, especially for people in power, really is one of the most important areas to advance.

[@antsfrance9999]

Feels so sad to have lost this towering giant of science, may his words remain with us and remind us the the greats were not greats but just humsn beings shining the torch of discovery and knowledge on the darkest fronts of science, may this great man rest in peace.

[@dawnandy7777]

I remember picking his book Sociobiology up when I was browsing the university book store in the late 70s. I LOVED it. RIP you were appreciated and will be missed.

[@cnmaster01]

Tragically, that is the case in a lot of schools however. While I was grinding at a chemistry degree, I had no difficulties maintaining a 4.0 in various science courses, but I was shoehorned into calculus without any mathematical background to speak of past high school geometry. After countless hours of tutoring, and 4 semesters bumping down the totem pole all the way to Algebra with no signs of success, I was told by the administration to reconsider my degree, despite my spotless lab record.

[@dixit6605]

I'm just a high schooler and I am good at my subjects (PCM) but the problem is that I belong to India where research is ignored in front of engineering. We don't have very good colleges for research or I can say research isn't promoted much here (if compared to the US or other nations). I fear that I may loose directions right from this age and may waste a big chunk of time, but still I have a strong desire and decision in mind that no matter what, I'm going to largely contribute in development of my species and civilization. Thankyou Sir for these important words.

[@shashankdeshpande7787]

Get into an IIT.

[@sohinisaha4069]

I absolutely hate India for the mindset and system of education we have. Entrances and a rat race to become an engineer or a doctor. I used to be a good student till 12th as well. My parents gave me the freedom to choose not to become either but I still couldn't find enough resources to guide me in the right direction to become a scientist. Of course one factor was lack of good research institutes and more than that lack of awareness about those that exist. I have finished my master's and I feel like I am way behind as I have not managed to get into any IISER or IITs yet. The unemployment and lack of opportunities start to haunt you past this stage

[@mayanksingh0044]

Ur name is dix xit 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nabaneetsharma451]

There are some really good institutes. Like IISC, TIFR, IACS, CMI, ISI, IIT Bombay, etc.

[@scidoctail]

Every time I get anxious about my research outcome, I listen to his speech and this makes me calm and productive.

[@LimmingKenny]

TED has featured thousands of guests and this man's message is certainly among those worth sharing

[@WSCP]

Man I love what this man says: creativity can be more helpful than technical aptitude - even in a field as logical and disciplined as science. After all, science is very much about the scientific process and ingenuity, rather than it is entirely about the specific tools we use to help us make discoveries.

[@irmakbengul7105]

When choosing a field: 1- Consider your area of ​​interest and qualifications 2- Focus on unpopular research topics, this will allow you to rise more secretly. While in the army, soldiers are told to go towards where the gunshot is coming from. In science, on the contrary, avoid gunfire. Start your own war. 3- Every problem encountered on the path of scientific discovery is an opportunity. A hunter may catch new prey while pursuing elusive prey.

[@antediluvial]

Freshman in college, just finished reading Naturalist, and eager to take Environmental Studies classes. Wilson's work has inspired me like no other to develop an interest to learn beyond what is regulated

[@hello7032]

As a recent environmental science grad I hope your educational career has been going well!

[@Mercedesxoo]

I am compiling a video on humanity. This is perfect.

[@harrysneed1759]

I am very much encouraged to resume my study of advanced statistics.

[@11th888]

I needed this TODAY ❤❤❤❤ I believe in myself and cried through this whole TED Talk. Thank you professor

[@1.4142]

RIP. My dad's professor's teacher was E.O. Wilson.

[@VenkateshRanjan]

wow! I needed that pep talk - given my (limited) mathematical acumen!

[@MrGoatflakes]

+Venkatesh Ranjan Ikr, you posted this message three times instead of once!

[@dreamdimensions]

Wilson, you have re-sparked a few important ideas in myself.

[@babyyoda5140]

I will listen to this everyday!

[@Syeal7]

Actually in university we were motivated to work together and help each others. A rapid change from earlier school. Well ofcourse end-tests is something else, a whole other category.

[@MrZgti]

This is a wonderful man. I don't live far from where he was raised, relatively speaking, and whether or not everything he did was correct, I'm more interested in Biology than beforehand.

[@mxvrdahegaouwu7577]

Rest in peace doctor, you we're my inspiration

[@ryannapo7381]

Here for the 100th time in a year and I am still inspired by his words and his book :)

[@bryansanchez5067]

Visto. I couldn't agree more with the fact that first, we have to learn beforehand, not while we are working and second, that the longer we take to start doing something, the more difficult it will become. Therefore, if we really want to achieve something then there's no better day to start than today.

[@MartinWillett]

When somebody points out an error in your writing or your experiment you should thank them for it. If they intended to help you have been gracious, if they intended to belittle you then you have turned the tables and left them looking a shit.

[@noeditbookreviews]

After hearing this guy referenced in a hundred different books, I'm finally reading one of his, and it's pretty decent. It's good to put a voice to the guy.

[@vinhniisan8437]

R.I.P

[@DianeCobb]

Wonderful lecture, and inspiration to young Scientists. We need more scientist continuing their study for the future of mankind. Well done. :)

[@estephanydelvalle7605]

VISTO.“Cartas a un joven científico” Es muy generoso de parte del Dr. Wilson que con este libro comparta los principios que ha desarrollado para que se aporte conocimiento a la humanidad, es lo que ha observado y lo que le ha ayudado a lo largo de su vida, que indiscutible mente funcionan, no en balde el Sr cuenta con las más altas concesiones mundiales. Estos principios los podemos realizar si estamos estudiando lo que nos apasiona. Sabios consejos.

[@VenkateshRanjan]

wow, I needed that pep talk - given my (limited) mathematical acumen!

[@MrGoatflakes]

+Venkatesh Ranjan Ikr, you posted this message three times instead of once!

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

I spend so much time talking to people like you I have sited studies in the past people don't really want to know. So now I just say go directly to the source, and ask questions there.

[@Slamixgamer]

"Ideas worth spreading" Send the video to others, make them as enthusiastic as we are. Information and ideas you value should be distributed to all by you.

[@Contevent]

People prefer to have fun, nothing wrong with that. As long as intellectual videos are not disliked, I find nothing to complain about.

[@divyanshrodney8322]

Rest in peace sir.

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

I have read the studies. I don't remember there names because I read the studies linked under the video, which was peer reviewed. And he explained what this meant in his opinion. I watch and have read so many I could not remember the names mostly because usually they have specific names. I have seen thousands of peoples testimonies showing that raw foods heal cancers. And other vegan diets, like: Neal Barnard diet, and McDougalls Diet.

[@TomRedman86]

Rest in peace Sir

[@geckauss]

2:55 VISTO ----> "the thirst for knowledge is in our genes, it was put there by our distant ancestors that spread across the globe and it will never be quenched" "la sed de conocimientos se encuentra en nuestros genes, fue puesta ahí por nuestros ancestros distantes que se expandieron a través del mundo y nunca sera saciada" I call Annunakis

[@Manny123-y3j]

This really was a great video/talk. Thank you, TED and Dr. Wilson.

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

string theory seems to require our world to have a property called supersymmetry. And a supersymmetric Standard Model with string theory boundary conditions has Higgs bosons and explains their properties. Whereas the mass of the Higgs boson cannot be calculated in the Standard Model, in the supersymmetric Standard Model the mass can be calculated approximately

[@takebackkean]

one of the best ted talks ever.

[@delicioushealthyrecipeswit9552]

Watching this now, I really needed his advice to start hard for my PhD.

[@olgavelazquez8990]

Visto. Algo que me deja este video es que todas las carreras tienen su GRAN importancia y aportación al mundo. No importa empezar a x edad, importa la dedicación con la que se empieza y continúa.

[@Rarae192]

I'm not trying to confuse people, I'm trying to point out some relevant similarities. It's not my fault if people generally only have a newspaper pop culture understanding of science. Both fusion power and fission power are forms of nuclear power, regardless of whether one is not currently an Earthly utility. Electromagnetic microwaves weren't invented when the microwave oven was, so too nuclear reactions occur by stellar fusion reactions, long before fusion reactors are built.

[@danielmarquina2294]

VISTO. El profesor Wilson es sin duda un visionario de la presente y futura civilización humana. Señala la importancia de contar cada vez con un mayor número de personas con una formación científica. La revolución del descubrimiento y del conocimiento continuará por lo menos varias décadas más antes de alcanzar su máximo y estabilizarse y, esta revolución llevará a la condición humana a un punto totalmente diferente al actual. Somos una nueva generación que tendrá que mirar hacia adelante y a su alrededor, no será suficiente preparase en una sola disciplina sino también adquirir conocimientos en otros campos relacionados o incluso diferentes a la opción inicial.

[@gulllars]

I got that it was not a quote. I just shared what passed my mind when i read it.

[@radicalbacon]

Votes this as "best speech given with notes."

[@Metaldrumma7]

Who the hell dislilked this? As a scientist in training, we are constantly surrounded by negativity the idea that research funding and interest is dismal at best. This talk not only motivated me to keep going and increase my scientific stringency and soundness but also to learn how to deal with the negativity currently in the field.

[@afatasidylan]

sounds like this guy was way ahead of his time. he'd have been more successful if he had what we have now (like not having to take calculus in his 30s) i like his nervousness during the standing ovation

[@Kat-fo5bz]

Thank you! Coming from an aspiring scientist in high school.

[@gulllars]

Like in society, i've also found that many youtube commenters are quicker to judge than inqure if there is ambiguity they could possibly take offense from. I myself is on the other edge of the spectrum. I consider myself a freethinker (as well as Atheist, Amoral, Asocial and other things) and i'm an aspiring polyglot and polymath. I've been called an über-nerd for being interrested in virtually anything, and have no problem taking that as a complement even if it's not intended as one :)

[@fcojavierdiazlopez5652]

Visto. "No es suficiente prepararse en una sola disciplina, sino tambien adquirir conocimientos en otros campos relacionados, incluso diferentes a su opción principal" Excelente video muchas gracias por compartirlo.

[@nicomcmahon2491]

Highly recommend reading his book by the same title!!!

[@Rarae192]

The ironic thing about saying, "especially if we harnessed solar, we could power the planet" (right after saying nuclear power is crazy) is that solar power is nuclear power - i.e. nuclear fusion - which is, according to many physicists, the future of energy. However, the problem is, it's just not good enough after it has passed 150 million km and through the atmosphere; to harness it, to power the planet, we need to synthesise it on the planet.

[@iSolesArt]

MAGNÍFICO!!!! Todo un Maestro y un Ser tan necesario para estos tiempos.GRACIAS

[@mykebulvai]

Who want to live forever? I do. Spending a few centuries on a subject would barely be enough to scratch it's surface. I wish we could live forever... to spend an eternity on the quest for knowledge and understanding.

[@amarillot.t4376]

I'm 17 and I'm about to graduate this 2020 and I still feel lost on where the road leads after I'm done with school... I love science and I want to do something important because I'm aware of how much I don't know but in a place where learning is supposedly encouraged it happens to be really expensive and unrewarding to go to college but I'm not smart enough on my own to not attend either. If someone has any advice speak now or forever hold your peace .

[@orlandolarrondo3955]

VISTO: Es muy enriquecedor saber que el lenguaje matemático es necesario en toda disciplina en mayor o menor medida. El discurso del Sr. Wilson es muy inspirador para seguir en el camino de la ciencia.

[@Rarae192]

I do want to know, hence why I asked for the studies you mentioned. I said I would look into it. I'm not making excuses, there's just a particular protocol you ought to be familiar with when trespassing on scientific territory. The scientific literature is the source of the info; not NutritionFacts, not a doco, not a book - they're secondary sources. If you say "studies prove cancer is preventable" it implies you have read the studies; not a book, or watched a video interpretation of them.

[@Jerkix]

Yes. In the review acticle, they are linked as references...

[@dureremu5897]

I badly needed this.

[@americagriselgarcialopez4328]

visto! En este vídeo comprendí que no hay excusas para lograr nuestras metas! Si nos empeñamos en nuestra carrera podemos aportar muchísimo a nuestro mundo.EL CASO ES ATREVERSE. Me encanto!!

[@shubhammittal3529]

Hats off to you Sir

[@alejandroflores1571]

Visto. En este video queda plasmado lo que el Dr.Wilson aporta para la enseñanza que son herramientas de aprendizaje y vivenciales que aportan experiencias y conocimientos para la vida universitaria.Demostrado en su libro "Consejos para jóvenes cientìficos".Me da gusto conocer a personas entregadas a su labor e invitando a conocer y quitarnos de miedos que solo generan bloqueos a nuestro aprendizaje.

[@pyrespirit]

I'm not talking about dyslexia either, I was merely using it as a similar example to what it seemed like you were saying. Dyslexia and dyscalculia are comparable disorders; and I wouldn't consider it right to try and convince people with dyslexia to avoid the sciences, nor would I consider it right to try and convince people with dyscalculia the same.

[@Friemelkubus]

Don't get me wrong, I love E.O Wilson. I look up to him, he's a great man. I've respected him greatly ever since I read on human nature, or saw him put his hand in a ant nest to prove a point. But videos like these are just not as accessible to the wide public.

[@Rarae192]

I knew this would happen - it always does. I get told of studies or research that supports some controversial idea, then when I ask for citations so I can read the studies, I'm told, "Oh, look at this website", "Watch this documentary", "Read this book", "Google [vague key words that will generate a million useless results]." But sure, I'll dig in my uni's database and the suggestions above. If I meet a dead-end, I'll let you know that you need to provide more info.

[@bzhu9570]

There are a few exceptions, but I have to say, people in these cases are really great. This is why so many students choose majors like finance or economics, as they know in future there will be a lot of chances for good money. Sadly, most of governmental grants are for research only and competition is fierce. That means a lot of researchers won't be able to get any funding. FYI, my university sacked 7% of so called "redundant researchers" this year because of the ridiculous funding cut...

[@makro80]

and as i mentioned earlier, the real extent of the two technologies, solar and fusion power. If you gave both of these two ways of harnessing energy the same amount of resources (money, time), and gave them 10 years to harness energy, the amount of energy you would get from solar power would be faar far less than which you would get from fusion power.

[@estitantotosi2952]

i'm pursuing master degree in food science. this is very encouraging. thank you

[@francismausley7239]

Sometimes wish I had entered nutritional research... "Happy are those who spend their days in gaining knowledge, in discovering the secrets of nature, and in penetrating the subtleties of pure truth!" ~ Baha'i Faith

[@joseoliveira5681]

Que video incrível! Nos revigora a continuar sempre. Viva a ciência!

[@EduardoHernandez-vm7rs]

VISTO. Las palabras del señor Wilson son admirables. Las ciencias exactas y sociales, son parte del desarrollo en el progreso de la humanidad. Hay mucho que abarcar para seguir solucionando los problemas que enfrenta y enfrentará la humanidad.

[@frozencold199]

This is really a beautiful speech

[@jennypsychedelia]

visto! excelentes principios Nos motivan a vence el miedo y atreverse no por lo grande, sino por lo ¡GRANDIOSO!

[@sekamenacerecords1]

I was talking about Nick Hanauer's presentation.

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

Will look in to it and how the study was done.

[@MartinWillett]

It bodes poorly for the future if people think having an error pointed out is a vicious personal attack. If nobody ever corrects your errors for fear that you will attack them you will just continue to make errors and people will continually mark you down as stupid and ill-educated. The scientific method is basically all about allowing other people to correct your mistakes, and you correcting their mistakes, without having tantrums about it.

[@Rarae192]

I know that's how it works in your circle, where watching a doco or reading it on a website is sufficient. However, the basis of such claims is in the scientific literature, so you ought to cite from that where possible, especially when studies are mentioned. It's acceptable to cite a few studies that demonstrate your point.

[@superoriginalname]

is it always about being entertained and amused? sometimes if you really want to hear great wisdom you must also put in your own effort

[@mydh122]

Thank you. That was my only point. He has good things to say. I just wish he was a better speaker, (especially after 41 years of experience) so that he could be more effective i presenting his ideas.

[@intermedianguitarsguild4482]

His message was entitled clear my dude

[@SSSyndrome214]

Practically the same story with me. I really want to go into neuroscience research, but they make even less than astrophysicists. I can't think of anything that would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life researching (and possibly improving) the human brain, but I think it would be selfish and inconsiderate to ignore the financial obligations I would owe my future family. I'm not sure what to do, but feel like I'll chose a career that makes more money. That's the part that scares me.

[@hello7032]

Curious to see how this developed

[@makro80]

It bothers me that you can be so sure when you dont even know what fusion power is. From wikipedia: "Fusion power is the power generated by nuclear fusion processes. In fusion reactions two light atomic nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus (in contrast with fission power). In doing so they release a comparatively large amount of energy arising from the binding energy due to the strong nuclear force". The strong nuclear force wont generate ANY radioactive waste.

[@bzhu9570]

I do know about grants and also do have one. You didn't understand what I meant. Scientific research can't only rely on scientits's curiosity and motivation. Without proper income, it is somehow a mission impossible. One can do research with basic income for some time, but definitely not whole life. Everyone, to some extent, is realistic. When they have a tough life (economic wise), they would find another way out.

[@maxwang9467]

I will miss you.

[@landyyang6135]

There are some students really afraid of math,including me . Being a medical student I just start my phD period, confidence is very improtant for me .

[@dianacano9190]

Visto. comentario: El mensaje primordial que E.O. Wilson nos da durante el video es no ceder ante las limitantes imaginarias que nos auto-imponemos; con un objetivo, la imaginación y mucho trabajo obtendremos las solución a nuestras inquietudes como estudiantes.

[@ricardoserrano8918]

Visto: Me intereso conocer el lenguaje de las matemáticas, además concuerdo con estar preparado, pues, si estás preparado será fácil hacer lo que te propones ya que la dificultas de las cosas depende de la facilidad de las personas.

[@germancordoba2383]

R.I.P. Se fue unos de los biólogos más importantes del planeta.

[@nayelicastillo1906]

VISTO. Consejos que debemos valorar, ahora que iniciamos este nuevo estudio

[@armandocastro5107]

Visto. Me quedo con la sugerencia acerca de que como profesionistas, docentes, investigadores, etc., es importante saber de otras áreas del conocimiento, aún cuando sean aparentemente distantes de la que hemos decidido especializarnos.