We Are All Stardust: Scientists Who Shaped Our World Talk About Their Work, Their Lives, and What They Still Want To Know

In Klein's (The Science of Happiness) collection of interviews, chemist and poet Roald Hoffman sums up the scientific profession by commenting that scientists are merely members of a social system that puts curiosity to use. Klein's book not only confirms Hoffman's sentiment but also embraces these curious people and the work they do. The 18 entries here originated in conversations conducted for German newspaper Die Zeit, and feature scientists from a variety of fields, such as cosmologist Martin Rees, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, primatologist Jane Goodall, and developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik. Amazingly, Klein includes an "interview" with Leonardo Da Vinci, basing it on the artist's notes and research. In all of these exchanges, Klein delves into the motivations of each scientist and as a result, the interviews portray people who are captivating as well as thoughtful about their achievements. While the book's title doesn't reflect the depth of the conversations within, it still offers a chance to share in the lives of some of the most intriguing people on the planet.