Dancing Naked in the Mind Field

Dive into the eccentric world of Kary Mullis, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist, as he shares his unconventional life experiences. In 'Dancing Naked in the Mind Field,' Mullis blends science, philosophy, and personal anecdotes with a splash of humor and whimsy. Explore his spirited views on the nature of reality, the limits of science, and the power of intuition. Mullis's daring adventures range from hitchhiking across the country to a mystical encounter with a UFO, challenging readers to think outside the box. This memoir not only celebrates the joy of discovery but also dares you to embrace the unknown.

By Kary Mullis

Published: 2000

""Life is a dance of molecules, and in the end, we must all learn the rhythm of our own existence.""

Dancing Naked in the Mind FieldBook binding

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Here is a multidimensional playland of ideas from the world's most eccentric Nobel-Prize winning scientist. Kary Mullis is legendary for his invention of PCR, which redefined the world of DNA, genetics, and forensic science. He is also a surfer, a veteran of Berkeley in the sixties, and perhaps the only Nobel laureate to describe a possible encounter with aliens. A scientist of boundless curiosity, he refuses to accept any proposition based on secondhand or hearsay evidence, and always looks for the "money trail" when scientists make announcements. Mullis writes with passion and humor about a wide range of topics: from global warming to the O. J. Simpson trial, from poisonous spiders to HIV, from scientific method to astrology. Dancing Naked in the Mind Field challenges us to question the authority of scientific dogma even as it reveals the workings of an uncannily original scientific mind.

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About the Author

K

Kary Mullis

Kary Mullis was an American biochemist and a Nobel Prize laureate best known for inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, which revolutionized molecular biology. Alongside his scientific achievements, Mullis was a prolific writer who penned the notable memoir 'Dancing Naked in the Mind Field,' where he explored his life, work, and views on science. His writing style combined humor, personal anecdotes, and a touch of skepticism towards conventional scientific thought, making complex topics accessible and engaging to a broader audience.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Kary Mullis
Published
January 2000
Publisher
Vintage
ISBN
0679774009
Language
English
Pages
242
Genres
PhilosophyBiographyScience and NatureInspirational Biographies

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"Life is a dance of molecules, and in the end, we must all learn the rhythm of our own existence."

Dancing Naked in the Mind Field

By Kary Mullis

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