We Are All Stardust: scientists who shaped our world talk about their work, their lives, and what they still want to know

By Stefan Klein and Ross Benjamin

World-leading natural and social scientists shed light on their discoveries and lives in conversation with an award-winning science writer.

When acclaimed science writer Stefan Klein asks Nobel Prize-winning chemist Roald Hoffmann what sets scientists apart, Hoffmann says, ‘First and foremost, curiosity.’ In this collection of intimate conversations with 19 of the world’s best-known scientists, Klein lets us listen in as today’s leading minds reveal what they still hope to discover — and how their paradigm-changing work entwines with their lives outside the lab.

From the sports car that physicist Steven Weinberg says helped him on his quest for ‘the theory of everything’ to the jazz musicians who gave psychologist Alison Gopnik new insight into raising children, scientists explain how they find inspiration everywhere. Hear from evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins on selfishness; anthropologist Sarah Hrdy on motherhood; primatologist Jane Goodall on animal behaviour; neuroscientist V. S. Ramachandran on consciousness; geographer Jared Diamond on chance in history; and other luminaries!

PRAISE FOR STEFAN KLEIN

‘[A] comprehensive book of ideas, distilled in language that even a layperson can understand.’ The Sunday Age

‘Klein has chosen an eclectic group to tackle everything from expected questions about their areas of study to issues concerning religion, morality, pain, and parenthood … He is exceedingly well read in the work of his interviewees, and they exchange ideas with ease, moving readily from deeply technical concepts to pop culture, making for an exceedingly welcome volume that will expose readers to all manner of topics that are likely new to them in a manner that focuses first on the lively personalities of the scientists, while slowly diving into their work … Truly enjoyable.’ Booklist

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scribe Publications
• Release date: Nov 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781925307214

Stefan Klein

Stefan Klein, PhD, has studied physics and analytical philosophy, and holds a doctorate in biophysics. After several years as an academic researcher, he turned to writing about science for a general audience. From 1996 to 1999, he was an editor at Der Spiegel, Germany’s leading news magazine, and in 1998 he won the prestigious Georg von Holtzbrinck Prize for Science Journalism. Today, Klein is recognised as one of Europe’s most influential science writers and journalists. His interviews with the world’s leading scientists are a regular feature in Germany’s Zeit magazine. His books, which have been translated into more than 25 languages, include the number one international bestseller The Science of Happiness, The Secret Pulse of Time, and Leonardo’s Legacy. A frequent speaker and university guest lecturer, he lives with his family in Berlin.

Reviews for We Are All Stardust

[priscillam_80 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely fascinating! I loved this book. Truly amazing people in their specific scientific fields, looking for the answers to some of life's most challenging questions. Some discussions were above my level of understanding, but none the less, interesting reading as we hurtle into our futures.

[paul_s-289480 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With a title like that I was expecting the worst but this turned out to be a very engaging and informative set of interviews a not a string of trite soundbites about how wonderful the world is. I wish the interviews were longer!

[nicholasjjordan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've been a humanities person ever since high school, but I love reading science. The breadth of these interviewees drew me in to fascinating research and personal outlooks of scientists. The only ding I'd give the book is the imaginary Leonardo da Vinci interview that forms the final chapter.