Big Books of Spring
The Double Helix

Questions About The Double Helix

by James D. Watson

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Double Helix, please sign up.

Answered Questions (1)

'Humility unspoiled by false modesty'???? Everything written about (rather than by) Watson contradicts this statement. In particular, he entirely failed to acknowledge that the basis for his 'discovery' was the work of a woman - Rosalind Franklin - whose work he actually obtained without her knowledge. And in 2007, he was finally called out for his grossly racist and sexist comments and attitudes throughout his life.
DailyKaffee 1. Your question is... not a question.
2. Yes, James Watson is a(n) [insert swearword] as a person. Anyone who has taken any note of this guy past the …more1. Your question is... not a question.
2. Yes, James Watson is a(n) [insert swearword] as a person. Anyone who has taken any note of this guy past the discovery of the double-helix structure should be aware of it.
3. You are right about the contributions of others being kinda brushed under the table (and NOT just Franklin's).
4. And yet - the exact construction of the DNA was, undeniably, the brain-product of Watson and Crick that other scientists failed to come up with before them. It IS terrible behavior to diminish other people's contributions and steal their work (especially if your part required - pretty much - no experimentation of your own), but it is also true that all scientific discovery is based on previous work. It is possible to discuss endlessly who in the process are the exact people who deserve an award. Opinions will reasonably differ.
5. Worth repeating: James Watson is a terrible human being.
6. For clarification: The merit of a scientific discovery should be judged independently from how much of a terrible person someone is. Even under this aspect, the awarding may still be questionable, but it is still an important point to note.
7. That people are calling Watson out for misogynism, racism and other horrible statements is a good thing - and I am glad they do. (less)
flag

Unanswered Questions (2)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more