The Road to Wisdom - On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust: Dr. Francis S. Collins (Physician, Geneticist, Former Director of NIH)(Ep. 124)
Dr. Francis Collins
A multifaceted understanding of wisdom is essential for a functioning society. Only with this broad understanding can we humbly dialogue with those who disagree with us and piece by piece build a culture of conversation. In this episode, I sit down with geneticist and physician Dr. Francis Collins (scroll down for full bio) to discuss his latest book, The Road to Wisdom. Dr. Collins argues that we must return to the four core sources of judgment and clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust.
A Quick Note:
Aiming for the Moon has a diverse audience. I strongly believe that developing your perspective comes from speaking with people who you both agree with and disagree with. Iron sharpens iron. That’s why this podcast is a platform that hosts interesting and successful people from a variety of worldviews. Gen. Z has the opportunity to trailblaze a culture of conversation. So, let’s go.
Topic:
Four Anchors of Knowledge: Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust
Cynicism and Nihilism in Public Discourse
The Importance of Humility in Dialogue
"How has being attacked by those 'on your side?' changed how you communicate?"
Harmonizing Faith and Science
Iron sharpens Iron: How going outside your bubble helps expand your perspective
Navigating Polarized Issues in a Multicultural Society
Practical Steps: So, how should we then live?
"What books have had an impact on you?"
"What advice do you have for teenagers?"
Resources mentioned:
Taylor's Substack: The Dangers of Abstracting Individuals in a Divided Society
Ep. 80. The Perception of Political Polarization and How to Fix It: Dr. Chris Bail
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Books of impact:
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Constitution of Knowledge by Jonathan Rauch
*Photo credited to Visko Hatfield*
Bio:
Dr. Francis S. Collins is a physician and geneticist. His groundbreaking work has led to the discovery of the cause of cystic fibrosis, among other diseases. In 1993 he was appointed director of the international Human Genome Project, which successfully sequenced all 3 billion letters of our DNA. He went on to serve three Presidents as the Director of the National Institutes of Health.