This book was a present from my brother who has looked upon James D. (Jim) Watson as a hero since his early teens. Watson (as in Crick & Watson of DNA discovering, Nobel prize winning legend) has written a very readable account of his life from early years through to his departure from the faculty of Harvard in 1976.
Amongst the things that make this autobiography special is its style. The chapter headings are all started with “Manners..” whether they be learned, acquired, passed on or whatever. Then, found in the appendices, there is a “Cast of Characters, listing those individuals with who he has worked or who have had a particular influence on his life and a list of “Remembered Lessons” recorded on a chapter by chapter basis.
The Remembered Lessons include:
- “Two obsessions is one too many”,
- “Knowing “why” (an idea) is more important than learning “what” (a fact),
- “Delegate as much authority as possible”
- and, my favourite, “Manage your scientists like a baseball team”.
A fascinating insight by a great man.
Available from Amazon here.
The Incisal Edge 