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Brave Genius: A Scientist, a Philosopher, and Their Daring Adventures from the French Resistance to the Nobel Prize
The never-before-told account of the intersection of some of the most insightful minds of the 20th century, and a fascinating look at how war, resistance, and friendship can catalyze genius.
In the spring of 1940, the aspiring but unknown writer Albert Camus and budding scientist Jacques Monod were quietly pursuing ordinary, separate lives in Paris. After the German invasion and occupation of France, each joined the Resistance to help liberate the country from the Nazis, ascended to prominent, dangerous roles, and were very lucky to survive. After the war and through twists of circumstance, they became friends, and through their passionate determination and rare talent, they emerged as leading voices of modern literature and biology, each receiving the Nobel Prize in their respective fields.
Drawing upon a wealth of previously unpublished and unknown material gathered over several years of research, Brave Genius tells the story of how each man endured the most terrible episode of the twentieth century and then blossomed into extraordinarily creative and engaged individuals. It is a story of the transformation of ordinary lives into exceptional lives by extraordinary events--of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity, the flowering of creative genius, deep friendship, and of profound concern for and insight into the human condition.
In the spring of 1940, the aspiring but unknown writer Albert Camus and budding scientist Jacques Monod were quietly pursuing ordinary, separate lives in Paris. After the German invasion and occupation of France, each joined the Resistance to help liberate the country from the Nazis, ascended to prominent, dangerous roles, and were very lucky to survive. After the war and through twists of circumstance, they became friends, and through their passionate determination and rare talent, they emerged as leading voices of modern literature and biology, each receiving the Nobel Prize in their respective fields.
Drawing upon a wealth of previously unpublished and unknown material gathered over several years of research, Brave Genius tells the story of how each man endured the most terrible episode of the twentieth century and then blossomed into extraordinarily creative and engaged individuals. It is a story of the transformation of ordinary lives into exceptional lives by extraordinary events--of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity, the flowering of creative genius, deep friendship, and of profound concern for and insight into the human condition.
592 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2013
254 people are currently reading
2997 people want to read
About the author
Sean B. Carroll
29 books305 followersSean B. Carroll (born September 17, 1960) is a professor of molecular biology, genetics, and medical genetics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He studies the evolution of cis-regulation in the context of biological development, using Drosophila as a model system. He is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Since 2010, he has been vice-president for science education of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 18, 2013
The story of Albert Camus, Nobel Prize-winning writer / philosopher and political activist, is a fascinating one. So is the tale of Jacques Monod, Nobel-winning biologist and French resistance fighter (who was, not incidentally, a friend of Camus). But those stories, even though the men knew each other and considered each other friends, do not necessarily belong in the same book, and Sean B. Carroll's attempt to unite their twin stories into one grand macro-narrative remains frustratingly abstract throughout. Carroll is a talented writer, and he wrings interest from the tales of the Nazi conquest of France, the battles of the Free French to liberate their country from the fascists, and Monod and Camus's twin efforts to bolster their country and rally them through the war. But Carroll burns off dozens of pages on war events and postwar uprisings, particularly the late 1950s Hungarian anti-Soviet revolution, that Monod and Camus have only a tangential connection to...as it often seems they do to each other. The entire premise of Carroll's book is that these men shared a bond forged in war and cemented by genius, but the friendship as chronicled by the author seems to extend no deeper than Camus inscribing copies of his books to Monod. Also, it's perplexing that the driest, least compelling parts of the book are those in which Carroll, himself a biologist, chronicles Monod's award-winning research. These are accomplished and important men, to be sure, but independent biographies on each of them would have served their stories much better.
November 23, 2014
Eeekkk. I've been reading, honest. In fact I finished this a week ago and I've knocked off two Alice Munros. Not to mention started Graham's biography of Hoyle. Not to mention another spinoff from Dr Glas. And most importantly, I've reread Heidi.
I'm not big on biography, as you will know, so I'm not even sure what came over me to have ordered this even before it was released. I guess we've been reading science and I love Camus, so a book about Monod and Camus probably seemed obvious at the time.
I must say, Carroll does a splendid job. It turns out, when you get to the end of the book, that he has a perfect background for it. The science is obvious, but he is highly knowledgeable about WWII and also has fair French. He is detached as the historian must be, but never cold. He refrains from bombarding us with the horrific minutiae of the period without that making it anything other than horrific. If the movie came out, I imagine it would be chock full of scenes of Nazis torturing the good guys. Carroll has no need for that (and nor should a good movie either).
I will display my appalling ignorance of this period of European history - the thirties to the sixties or thereabouts - by saying I learnt a lot from this book. The hesitancy that lets a Hitler not only take over a country, but attempt to take over the world. The way in which he may appeal to some prejudiced side of a leader or a people which stops them from fighting in the right way soon enough. France was sufficiently anti-Semitic that when it capitulated almost as soon as the Germans invaded, it saw the upside. And, of course, the Nazis did the thing that divides and buys support: make things appalling enough for one group and the other will be simply relieved that it could be worse and at least they aren't the - in this case Jews. French non-Jews sort of starved for Germany and supplied slave labour and so on, but at least they weren't killed for their troubles as long as they weren't Jewish.
It is one of the things that seems obvious about how fundamentalist Islam operates. Make life so dreadful for women, that the men experience relief instead of revulsion. 'At least we aren't women, it could be worse'. Divide and conquer. What do my Islamic acquaintances think about this? Equally, of course, the Hindu caste system works this way.
I have a lot of very nice left-wing small 'l' liberal (that is, for non-Australians, the Liberals in Australia are Conservative) who say that the consequences of fear of terror (such as censorship to combat terrorism) is worse than terror. So far I'm waiting for them to explain what that actually means. It was on my mind right through this book, how insulting it is to say that, and how much it reflects a safe life and a safe upbringing. Life in the period under consideration was not safe. Camus and Monod both fought in the Resistance and answered big questions. What is worth living for? What is worth dying for? They were intellectual and physical heroes. This does not mean they were not scared. It meant they did what they thought had to be done despite that. They and their brave colleagues resisted during world war two even though they knew every moment of every day that they might be arrested, tortured, killed. They constantly knew that they might, under threat of torture, betray their comrades. This was terror. Absolute pure terror. I do not believe for one moment that these people would have thought that fear of terror was worse than terror.
The story Carroll tells is of people who are allies unbeknownst to themselves, their closest shared experiences being as anonymous members of the Resistance. It is after the war that Monod and Camus become actual friends. Carroll talks about their work too, of course, and the way in which Camus's philosophy influenced Monod. He talks of Camus's impossible position in regard to Algerian independence after the war.
Rest here:
https://alittleteaalittlechat.wordpre...
I'm not big on biography, as you will know, so I'm not even sure what came over me to have ordered this even before it was released. I guess we've been reading science and I love Camus, so a book about Monod and Camus probably seemed obvious at the time.
I must say, Carroll does a splendid job. It turns out, when you get to the end of the book, that he has a perfect background for it. The science is obvious, but he is highly knowledgeable about WWII and also has fair French. He is detached as the historian must be, but never cold. He refrains from bombarding us with the horrific minutiae of the period without that making it anything other than horrific. If the movie came out, I imagine it would be chock full of scenes of Nazis torturing the good guys. Carroll has no need for that (and nor should a good movie either).
I will display my appalling ignorance of this period of European history - the thirties to the sixties or thereabouts - by saying I learnt a lot from this book. The hesitancy that lets a Hitler not only take over a country, but attempt to take over the world. The way in which he may appeal to some prejudiced side of a leader or a people which stops them from fighting in the right way soon enough. France was sufficiently anti-Semitic that when it capitulated almost as soon as the Germans invaded, it saw the upside. And, of course, the Nazis did the thing that divides and buys support: make things appalling enough for one group and the other will be simply relieved that it could be worse and at least they aren't the - in this case Jews. French non-Jews sort of starved for Germany and supplied slave labour and so on, but at least they weren't killed for their troubles as long as they weren't Jewish.
It is one of the things that seems obvious about how fundamentalist Islam operates. Make life so dreadful for women, that the men experience relief instead of revulsion. 'At least we aren't women, it could be worse'. Divide and conquer. What do my Islamic acquaintances think about this? Equally, of course, the Hindu caste system works this way.
I have a lot of very nice left-wing small 'l' liberal (that is, for non-Australians, the Liberals in Australia are Conservative) who say that the consequences of fear of terror (such as censorship to combat terrorism) is worse than terror. So far I'm waiting for them to explain what that actually means. It was on my mind right through this book, how insulting it is to say that, and how much it reflects a safe life and a safe upbringing. Life in the period under consideration was not safe. Camus and Monod both fought in the Resistance and answered big questions. What is worth living for? What is worth dying for? They were intellectual and physical heroes. This does not mean they were not scared. It meant they did what they thought had to be done despite that. They and their brave colleagues resisted during world war two even though they knew every moment of every day that they might be arrested, tortured, killed. They constantly knew that they might, under threat of torture, betray their comrades. This was terror. Absolute pure terror. I do not believe for one moment that these people would have thought that fear of terror was worse than terror.
The story Carroll tells is of people who are allies unbeknownst to themselves, their closest shared experiences being as anonymous members of the Resistance. It is after the war that Monod and Camus become actual friends. Carroll talks about their work too, of course, and the way in which Camus's philosophy influenced Monod. He talks of Camus's impossible position in regard to Algerian independence after the war.
Rest here:
https://alittleteaalittlechat.wordpre...
February 13, 2019
Sean Carroll, scientist and author, writes of two French Nobel Prize winners, Albert Camus in literature and Jacques Monod in biology, drawing parallels between their lives as French resistance fighters and philosophers. A few of my favorite thought-provoking quotes:
"I prefer to speak of the hatred of lies rather than the love of truth, since one is never sure of holding the truth, whereas with lies, one is almost always able to detect them, to discover them, and to denounce them." Jaques Monod
"Whenever objectivity, truth, and justice are at stake, a scientist has the duty to form an opinion, and defend it." Jaques Monod
"Revolt gives life its value." Albert Camus
"I prefer to speak of the hatred of lies rather than the love of truth, since one is never sure of holding the truth, whereas with lies, one is almost always able to detect them, to discover them, and to denounce them." Jaques Monod
"Whenever objectivity, truth, and justice are at stake, a scientist has the duty to form an opinion, and defend it." Jaques Monod
"Revolt gives life its value." Albert Camus
August 17, 2015
Fantastic book! Molecular biologist Sean Carroll has written a highly intelligent and readable tale of philosopher/novelist Albert Camus and molecular biologist Jacques Monod and their separate paths to the Nobel Prize, as well as their active parts in the French Resistance. I highly recommend this!!
August 26, 2013
From my book review blog at:
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
Crown Publishing provided me a copy of this eGalley, via NetGalley, for the purposes of reading and reviewing it. Although it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.
Before I get started, let me say this is an epic book. It’s 576 pages of (as my sixteen year old son would say) “beefy” reading. The amount of research required to produce this tome must have been extensive, and for that I commend Carroll. Unfortunately, I could only read 10-20 pages at a time before getting bogged down in details and having to set it aside.
On the surface, this looks like a fascinating story: two famous Frenchman, Albert Camus and Jacques Monod, have their paths cross during the French Resistance against the Nazi Germany regime of World War II. Each has a completely different background and career, and yet they strike up a friendship that lasts well beyond World War II until Camus’s untimely death in 1960.
While I had only a passing familiarity with Monod prior to reading this book, I have been a fan of Camus’s writing for years. It was fascinating to read the path each person took on their way to receiving a Nobel Prize in their respective fields.
My biggest complaint about this book is it spends far too much time on the details surrounding the lives of Camus and Monod. Sure, the strategies the Nazis employed for invading France are fascinating and set in motion the Resistance effort that led to Camus and Monod meeting, but the details are too far removed from the actions of the men themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I am fascinated with World War II and Nazi Germany in particular, but that’s not what I was hoping for or expecting from this book.
The same thing applies later when the author spends a significant amount of time describing the research leading up to Monod’s Nobel Prize. You can see that Carroll’s training as a biologist shines through, as he is obviously passionate about Monod and his work. But it does seem to become unwieldy at times.
In a nutshell, it seems this book doesn’t really have a clearly defined identity. Is it a biography of Camus and Monod? Historical text? Biology text? While Carroll’s details and research are undoubtedly meticulous, the book could have been cut by 150 or more pages and still be an outstanding recording of these men’s lives. As it is, it gets bogged down under its own weight.
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)
http://kickinbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
Crown Publishing provided me a copy of this eGalley, via NetGalley, for the purposes of reading and reviewing it. Although it was provided to me at no cost, I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.
Before I get started, let me say this is an epic book. It’s 576 pages of (as my sixteen year old son would say) “beefy” reading. The amount of research required to produce this tome must have been extensive, and for that I commend Carroll. Unfortunately, I could only read 10-20 pages at a time before getting bogged down in details and having to set it aside.
On the surface, this looks like a fascinating story: two famous Frenchman, Albert Camus and Jacques Monod, have their paths cross during the French Resistance against the Nazi Germany regime of World War II. Each has a completely different background and career, and yet they strike up a friendship that lasts well beyond World War II until Camus’s untimely death in 1960.
While I had only a passing familiarity with Monod prior to reading this book, I have been a fan of Camus’s writing for years. It was fascinating to read the path each person took on their way to receiving a Nobel Prize in their respective fields.
My biggest complaint about this book is it spends far too much time on the details surrounding the lives of Camus and Monod. Sure, the strategies the Nazis employed for invading France are fascinating and set in motion the Resistance effort that led to Camus and Monod meeting, but the details are too far removed from the actions of the men themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I am fascinated with World War II and Nazi Germany in particular, but that’s not what I was hoping for or expecting from this book.
The same thing applies later when the author spends a significant amount of time describing the research leading up to Monod’s Nobel Prize. You can see that Carroll’s training as a biologist shines through, as he is obviously passionate about Monod and his work. But it does seem to become unwieldy at times.
In a nutshell, it seems this book doesn’t really have a clearly defined identity. Is it a biography of Camus and Monod? Historical text? Biology text? While Carroll’s details and research are undoubtedly meticulous, the book could have been cut by 150 or more pages and still be an outstanding recording of these men’s lives. As it is, it gets bogged down under its own weight.
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)
August 20, 2017
“Now does he at last realize that, like a gypsy, he lives on the boundary of an alien universe. A universe that is deaf to his music, just as indifferent to his hopes as it is to his suffering or his crimes.” Jacques Monad
Sean Carroll's book left me with wanting to know more about Nobel Prize winner Jacques Monad. He, along with two other scientists, won the prize for their discoveries in the field of genetics.
Carroll's book ties Monad together with Noble winner Albert Camus. These men became close friends. Both fought the Nazis occupying France. Camus through his writing and Monad by working for the underground.
Well written and well worth reading. Monad's post WWII activity as a public intellectual and scientist show him to be a man of courage and commitment. It is helpful to read the Appendix on The Science to understand Monad's achievement and it's place in science.
Sean Carroll's book left me with wanting to know more about Nobel Prize winner Jacques Monad. He, along with two other scientists, won the prize for their discoveries in the field of genetics.
Carroll's book ties Monad together with Noble winner Albert Camus. These men became close friends. Both fought the Nazis occupying France. Camus through his writing and Monad by working for the underground.
Well written and well worth reading. Monad's post WWII activity as a public intellectual and scientist show him to be a man of courage and commitment. It is helpful to read the Appendix on The Science to understand Monad's achievement and it's place in science.
October 1, 2014
Received through FirstReads...
This book about Albert Camus and Jacques Monot was good, very good, in fact. It got going right away, by this I mean it didn't take 160 pages of tedious nothing until you get to what the book is advertised as being about. The first third details their activities in the French Resistance, and gets 5 stars. It's wonderful if you like history, particularly WWII. It moves on to postwar, communism, and ends with each man winning their Nobel prize. The very end gets a bit science-y, that's why it's 4 stars.
This book about Albert Camus and Jacques Monot was good, very good, in fact. It got going right away, by this I mean it didn't take 160 pages of tedious nothing until you get to what the book is advertised as being about. The first third details their activities in the French Resistance, and gets 5 stars. It's wonderful if you like history, particularly WWII. It moves on to postwar, communism, and ends with each man winning their Nobel prize. The very end gets a bit science-y, that's why it's 4 stars.
Want to read
May 7, 2014A copy of the paperback edition is now preordered... should get here mid-September.
February 17, 2025
This is by far the best book that Carroll has yet written, and you can tell how passionate he is about the subject. Both of the central figures are remarkably compelling. I am particularly glad for the focus he put on Jacques Monod, who is more obscure than Camus. That is too bad, because he is the model of what a scientist should be: rigorous, creative, philosophical, and deeply ethical, not to mention genuinely heroic. I had no clue just how big a role he played in the French Resistance and the calling of attention to the sham that was Lysenkoism. I'm going to be emphasizing him as what my R3 grad students should aspire for, while also using him as a model as I build out that program. Science, indeed, society needs more like him. Especially in these horrible days in the US, when science (and everything else constituting civilization) is under sustained attack by the barbarous agents of chaos and darkness.
September 4, 2013
This book is a definite departure from the usual works of this Author, in which he normally addresses the subject of biology; evolutionary biology to be exact, but in this case he has turned his writing skills to history. This book covers the stories of Albert Camus, Nobel Prize-winning writer / philosopher and political activist, and also that of Jacques Monod, Nobel Prize-winning biologist and French resistance fighter. I started reading this book not having any real knowledge of either Camus or Monod, but by the time I turned the final page the Author had done an outstanding job of expanding my education in this area.
Before the reader picks this up they need to be aware that it is a book of two distinct halves. The first half of the book centres on Occupied France during World War II and gives an in-depth look, from the French viewpoint as to what life was like living under German rule. It is apparent that the Author spent a great deal of time researching this aspect of the book as they cover in great detail the extent to which the occupation affected France, and also the circumstances that led to some of the occurrences that took place. This aspect alone makes it a great and informative read for anyone that has only a basic understanding of this era in history as it pertained to France. The Author gives the reader a personal look at these times, and from this they will be able to pick out the influence that World War II had on Camus and his future writing. The second half focuses on the work of Camus and Monod after the end of the war. Again it is very detailed and shows the reader, once again, the amount of time to research that the Author has invested during their writing of this historical chronicle.
The book is a very well documented and worthwhile the read and, although the Author paints the picture of both these men with a very broad brush, he still manages to convey the qualities that made these men great; that is the work they carried out beyond their own vocations. The Author also manages to stir in the reader feelings of admiration for both Camus and Monod to such an extent that sadness follows when we read about their deaths.
It is a long, very long read and due to the in-depth descriptions of activities taking place it can take some time to navigate; this makes it definitely not a book that can be delved into and absorbed within a few days, it needs time to be taken over it to be able to process everything that can be learnt from its pages. There were also some areas of the book that left me wondering as to the reactions and feelings of other persons mentioned, but these were just little annoyances in, what otherwise, is a very educating read.
I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in, or wanting to learn about Camus, Monod, and the way world was in their lifetime; it was would also be of great interest to anyone who enjoys a good non-fiction book that is slightly different from others in the genre. Readers of World War II history and philosophy may also enjoy this book.
Originally Reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.wordpress.com/...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Before the reader picks this up they need to be aware that it is a book of two distinct halves. The first half of the book centres on Occupied France during World War II and gives an in-depth look, from the French viewpoint as to what life was like living under German rule. It is apparent that the Author spent a great deal of time researching this aspect of the book as they cover in great detail the extent to which the occupation affected France, and also the circumstances that led to some of the occurrences that took place. This aspect alone makes it a great and informative read for anyone that has only a basic understanding of this era in history as it pertained to France. The Author gives the reader a personal look at these times, and from this they will be able to pick out the influence that World War II had on Camus and his future writing. The second half focuses on the work of Camus and Monod after the end of the war. Again it is very detailed and shows the reader, once again, the amount of time to research that the Author has invested during their writing of this historical chronicle.
The book is a very well documented and worthwhile the read and, although the Author paints the picture of both these men with a very broad brush, he still manages to convey the qualities that made these men great; that is the work they carried out beyond their own vocations. The Author also manages to stir in the reader feelings of admiration for both Camus and Monod to such an extent that sadness follows when we read about their deaths.
It is a long, very long read and due to the in-depth descriptions of activities taking place it can take some time to navigate; this makes it definitely not a book that can be delved into and absorbed within a few days, it needs time to be taken over it to be able to process everything that can be learnt from its pages. There were also some areas of the book that left me wondering as to the reactions and feelings of other persons mentioned, but these were just little annoyances in, what otherwise, is a very educating read.
I highly recommend this book for those who are interested in, or wanting to learn about Camus, Monod, and the way world was in their lifetime; it was would also be of great interest to anyone who enjoys a good non-fiction book that is slightly different from others in the genre. Readers of World War II history and philosophy may also enjoy this book.
Originally Reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.wordpress.com/...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
August 9, 2016
Now I am become Life. The creator of worlds.
Brave Genius tells a long story. In fact, it covers several interconnected and complicated stories. It is mainly the story of two men, one a scientist, Jacques Monod, and the other the writer and philosopher, Albert Camus. They meet against the backdrop of WW II, where they are both involved in the French Resistance. After the war they continue their work and are both actively involved in the issues of the day, including for instance the Hungarian Revolution and further resistance to brutal Soviet repression.
There is so much going on here, so brace yourselves. It can only be streamlined and compressed so much. The author, also a scientist, explains how he came to write this story. First, as a biologist, he had followed the work of Monod, who made crucial discoveries that led to our understanding of DNA. Next, while studying in college he became very interested in French Literature, so he almost completed a minor in French. Finally, to complete the trifecta of his accidental preparation for this book, he was also a WW II history buff. The combination of Science, Literature, and History proved irresistible.
The philosophical debates of the day made for some pretty heady discussions, but I found the scientific material to be the most interesting. As a Biologist, author Sean B. Carroll really knew his stuff. He provides a brief appendix at the end that covers (1) what was known about DNA at the time Monod and his colleagues began their research (2) what they learned during the course of the book and (3) subsequent discoveries that built on their research. As a non scientist who is really curious about DNA I enjoyed this a lot.
Recent advances in science have raised questions in philosophy, and DNA raises so many issues. I can't think of many stories that highlight the collision of Science and Philosophy as much as this one. Perhaps J. Robert Oppenheimer? He was one of the leading scientists for The Manhattan Project. When the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945, in the Trinity test in New Mexico; Oppenheimer remarked later that it brought to mind words from the Bhagavad Gita: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." In unlocking the secrets of DNA couldn't Monod and others say: "Now I am become Life. The creator of worlds." And wouldn't that create even more ethical and philosophical dilemmas?
It was very brave of Sean B. Carroll to take on the writing of this book, but given his interests, it seems he had little choice in the matter. This is a worthwhile and enriching book, so brace yourselves for a long yet rewarding read, should you decide to attempt the journey.
Brave Genius tells a long story. In fact, it covers several interconnected and complicated stories. It is mainly the story of two men, one a scientist, Jacques Monod, and the other the writer and philosopher, Albert Camus. They meet against the backdrop of WW II, where they are both involved in the French Resistance. After the war they continue their work and are both actively involved in the issues of the day, including for instance the Hungarian Revolution and further resistance to brutal Soviet repression.
There is so much going on here, so brace yourselves. It can only be streamlined and compressed so much. The author, also a scientist, explains how he came to write this story. First, as a biologist, he had followed the work of Monod, who made crucial discoveries that led to our understanding of DNA. Next, while studying in college he became very interested in French Literature, so he almost completed a minor in French. Finally, to complete the trifecta of his accidental preparation for this book, he was also a WW II history buff. The combination of Science, Literature, and History proved irresistible.
The philosophical debates of the day made for some pretty heady discussions, but I found the scientific material to be the most interesting. As a Biologist, author Sean B. Carroll really knew his stuff. He provides a brief appendix at the end that covers (1) what was known about DNA at the time Monod and his colleagues began their research (2) what they learned during the course of the book and (3) subsequent discoveries that built on their research. As a non scientist who is really curious about DNA I enjoyed this a lot.
Recent advances in science have raised questions in philosophy, and DNA raises so many issues. I can't think of many stories that highlight the collision of Science and Philosophy as much as this one. Perhaps J. Robert Oppenheimer? He was one of the leading scientists for The Manhattan Project. When the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945, in the Trinity test in New Mexico; Oppenheimer remarked later that it brought to mind words from the Bhagavad Gita: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." In unlocking the secrets of DNA couldn't Monod and others say: "Now I am become Life. The creator of worlds." And wouldn't that create even more ethical and philosophical dilemmas?
It was very brave of Sean B. Carroll to take on the writing of this book, but given his interests, it seems he had little choice in the matter. This is a worthwhile and enriching book, so brace yourselves for a long yet rewarding read, should you decide to attempt the journey.
October 27, 2014
This is an impressive book, mixing philosophy, literature and good old molecular biology. And all of this mixed with the Resistance in Paris during WW2 and spy-stories of the cold war. Before discovering this book I wasn't too aware of the contributions that Camus and Monod made to the Resistance, neither did I know that Monod then helped to smuggle people out of Hungary during the cold war, more or less all while finding out about mRNA.
If you have some interest in the history of science and modern philosophy and/or some interest in WW2 you will like this book.
If you have some interest in the history of science and modern philosophy and/or some interest in WW2 you will like this book.
November 27, 2025
The book, a dual biography, is as multi-faceted as its protagonists. If Sean Carroll wanted to, he could've split this into 3 books, each of which would be great. Thankfully he didn't, and the book, for the most part, is greater than the sum of its parts. The regular switches in context from the life of Camus to Monod, and the significant focus on Jacob ensures that the book can be breezed through even when the material is dense. At moments however, I wished for continued focus on a single topic. But that just goes to show how remarkable the content was.
The book is definitely aimed at someone who has a general interest in all the topics it promises to cover. An interest in the events of World War 2, a familiarity with the work of Camus and an understanding of basic molecular biology are necessary to savour the book to its fullest. Fortunately those are interests I've harboured for some time. That I found a book like this, at this phase of life, is an incredibly fortunate surprise.
The book is definitely aimed at someone who has a general interest in all the topics it promises to cover. An interest in the events of World War 2, a familiarity with the work of Camus and an understanding of basic molecular biology are necessary to savour the book to its fullest. Fortunately those are interests I've harboured for some time. That I found a book like this, at this phase of life, is an incredibly fortunate surprise.
March 16, 2025
In this time of rising fascism in the US, I have been in great need of stories for inspiration. I found that in this book. Jacques Monod is a hero and everyone should know his story. This is an exquisitely researched biography.
June 20, 2020
Kitaba başlarken iki arkadaşın yazışmaları gibi bir beklentim vardı. Ama bu kitap derin bir çalışmanın ve belgelerin eşliğinde, günümüzden 80 yıl öncesine bizi götüren ve bunu yaparken de günümüzle kıyaslama yaptırarak düşündüren bir kitap olmuş. Yazar kitabın sonunda da bu kitabın nasıl oluştuğuna değinmiş ki kendisi moleküler biyoloji ve genetik profesörü. Üniversitelerdeki kendi hocalarımı hatırladığımda ki onlara dersleriyle ilgili sorular sorduğumda bile garipsediklerini hatırlayınca, yazarın kendi kulvarının dışında tarih, felsefe gibi konuları bu şekilde güzel bir dille aktarabilmesi hayranlık uyandırıcı.
İnsanın anlam arayışı, 2. Dünya savaşı ve Fransa'nın savaşa dahil oluşu, dostluk kavramı, hayatın anlamı, 1945- 2003 arası geçen hayatlar ve insanların tercihleri...
O dönemin aydınları, yazarları ve bilim adamlarını okuduğumda şimdi böyle kişiler var mıdır?, diye düşünmeden edemedim. Bir de günümüzde bizlerin de yetiştirilişi ve merkeze koyduğumuz tamamen materyal hedefler, öncelikleri düşününce seksen yıl öncesinde yapılan fedakarlıkların bir daha olacağına inancını zorlaştırırken, sizde eğer kendinize hayatın anlamı var mıdır?, sorusunu soruyorsanız, kendinizce bunu bulabileceğiniz bir eser okuyacaksınız, diyebilirim.
İnsanın anlam arayışı, 2. Dünya savaşı ve Fransa'nın savaşa dahil oluşu, dostluk kavramı, hayatın anlamı, 1945- 2003 arası geçen hayatlar ve insanların tercihleri...
O dönemin aydınları, yazarları ve bilim adamlarını okuduğumda şimdi böyle kişiler var mıdır?, diye düşünmeden edemedim. Bir de günümüzde bizlerin de yetiştirilişi ve merkeze koyduğumuz tamamen materyal hedefler, öncelikleri düşününce seksen yıl öncesinde yapılan fedakarlıkların bir daha olacağına inancını zorlaştırırken, sizde eğer kendinize hayatın anlamı var mıdır?, sorusunu soruyorsanız, kendinizce bunu bulabileceğiniz bir eser okuyacaksınız, diyebilirim.
December 22, 2024
“Brave Genius" by Sean B. Carroll vividly recounts the remarkable journey of Jacques Monod and Albert Camus, intellectual luminaries of their era who transcended greatness in their respective domains. The book masterfully weaves together their personal, intellectual, and moral evolution, showing how their shared commitment to resistance during WWII laid the groundwork for their enduring legacies. Risking their lives in defiance of Nazi occupation, they played pivotal roles in the French resistance movement, demonstrating a profound courage that would later echo in their intellectual pursuits.
Beyond their heroic wartime efforts, the book delves into their Nobel Prize-winning accomplishments. Monod's genius shaped the trajectory of modern molecular biology, while Camus, a distinguished writer and philosopher, grappled with existential dilemmas in a universe seemingly devoid of inherent purpose. Together, they exemplify how the fight for freedom, both in the physical and intellectual realms, can inspire transformative contributions to science and philosophy.
At the time, physics dominated science and philosophy, leaving biology largely overlooked. Darwin and Wallace challenged theological views, but it was Monod who shattered anthropocentric beliefs, highlighting the role of chance in evolution and emphasizing humanity's contingency on random genetic mutations and chance-driven factors. The notion of randomness eliminates any sense of uniqueness, purpose, or inherent meaning, which perfectly fits into Camus's existential themes of absurdity.
Monod argued that science's purpose extends beyond technological progress, asserting its primary role aims to alter humanity's connection to the universe. His insistence on understanding our place through scientific inquiry enriches collective consciousness and challenges the prevailing belief that life requires inherent meaning. Such a view parallels Camus's exploration of life's absurdity. Embracing the futility of existence, akin to Sisyphus's eternal struggle, prompts contemplation on the nature of life's challenges. Camus suggests happiness can be found in accepting the lack of inherent meaning.
Thus, Monod's scientific worldview and Camus's existential philosophy converge on the profound realization that meaning is a human construct. Through their respective lenses, these intellectual giants beckon us to confront the absurdity of existence, advocating for the creation of our own purpose amid the intricate dance of chance, resistance, and scientific exploration. Carroll’s narrative not only celebrates their intellectual achievements but also underscores their moral courage, reminding us that the search for truth and justice often begins in the crucible of resistance.
Beyond their heroic wartime efforts, the book delves into their Nobel Prize-winning accomplishments. Monod's genius shaped the trajectory of modern molecular biology, while Camus, a distinguished writer and philosopher, grappled with existential dilemmas in a universe seemingly devoid of inherent purpose. Together, they exemplify how the fight for freedom, both in the physical and intellectual realms, can inspire transformative contributions to science and philosophy.
At the time, physics dominated science and philosophy, leaving biology largely overlooked. Darwin and Wallace challenged theological views, but it was Monod who shattered anthropocentric beliefs, highlighting the role of chance in evolution and emphasizing humanity's contingency on random genetic mutations and chance-driven factors. The notion of randomness eliminates any sense of uniqueness, purpose, or inherent meaning, which perfectly fits into Camus's existential themes of absurdity.
Monod argued that science's purpose extends beyond technological progress, asserting its primary role aims to alter humanity's connection to the universe. His insistence on understanding our place through scientific inquiry enriches collective consciousness and challenges the prevailing belief that life requires inherent meaning. Such a view parallels Camus's exploration of life's absurdity. Embracing the futility of existence, akin to Sisyphus's eternal struggle, prompts contemplation on the nature of life's challenges. Camus suggests happiness can be found in accepting the lack of inherent meaning.
Thus, Monod's scientific worldview and Camus's existential philosophy converge on the profound realization that meaning is a human construct. Through their respective lenses, these intellectual giants beckon us to confront the absurdity of existence, advocating for the creation of our own purpose amid the intricate dance of chance, resistance, and scientific exploration. Carroll’s narrative not only celebrates their intellectual achievements but also underscores their moral courage, reminding us that the search for truth and justice often begins in the crucible of resistance.
December 3, 2013
I received an advanced reading copy of this from the publisher through Goodread's First-Reads giveaway program.
Having focused on biology and French in college, I was obviously intrigued when I saw the description of this book. Amazingly I hadn't realize the wealth of connections between these subjects that intersected in the decades from World War II to the Cold War. The achievement of Carroll's book is that he is able to merge disparate forms into one cohesive, enthralling, and compulsively readable volume. A combination of biography, military history, literary/philosophical history, and science, Carroll somehow makes it all work, focusing on the lives of Camus, Monod, Jacob, and others. Mostly these stories are physically separated, coming together in time and space only briefly. Yet each individual's separate story is linked together by shared global experiences of political and social strife and coming each, individually to a personal philosophy and pursuit of some passion for their own personal betterment and the benefit of their fellow humans. Camus' story in terms of his journalism, literature, and Existential philosophy is the most widely familiar, but strikingly similar to the genius and passion displayed by Monod, Jacob, and others through their pursuit of science. For anyone interested in literature, science, or the history of World War II, this is a book I would seek to devour. What sets it apart from a mere history of compelling characters is the inspiration it engenders to fight against situations of injustice and concern that you may see in the world, giving an applicability that transcends any particular historic period or society, one that you can easily see reflected in many issues of politics, science and culture today.
Having focused on biology and French in college, I was obviously intrigued when I saw the description of this book. Amazingly I hadn't realize the wealth of connections between these subjects that intersected in the decades from World War II to the Cold War. The achievement of Carroll's book is that he is able to merge disparate forms into one cohesive, enthralling, and compulsively readable volume. A combination of biography, military history, literary/philosophical history, and science, Carroll somehow makes it all work, focusing on the lives of Camus, Monod, Jacob, and others. Mostly these stories are physically separated, coming together in time and space only briefly. Yet each individual's separate story is linked together by shared global experiences of political and social strife and coming each, individually to a personal philosophy and pursuit of some passion for their own personal betterment and the benefit of their fellow humans. Camus' story in terms of his journalism, literature, and Existential philosophy is the most widely familiar, but strikingly similar to the genius and passion displayed by Monod, Jacob, and others through their pursuit of science. For anyone interested in literature, science, or the history of World War II, this is a book I would seek to devour. What sets it apart from a mere history of compelling characters is the inspiration it engenders to fight against situations of injustice and concern that you may see in the world, giving an applicability that transcends any particular historic period or society, one that you can easily see reflected in many issues of politics, science and culture today.
May 13, 2014
I won this on Goodreads First Reads - thank you et al
Two men, Albert Camus and Jacques Monod both with goals on a mission pursing their dreams in a turbulent time in their country of France.
Carroll cannot be accused of not being detailed oriented. This author is extremely detailed, and I mean extremely, almost borderline extreme in documenting Camus and Monod's involvement in the French Resistance. Being a history fan I appreciate the abundance of information, although at moments it was a bit much. I do feel omitting some of the information would not have compromised the novel in any way, only enhancing this interesting dual biography.
The French Resistance played a crucial role in history and Carroll emphasizes the importance in how France dealt with German movement throughout the country. Under such adverse conditions it is utterly amazing these two men and their achievements were even possible given the dire circumstances. Carroll does a wonderful job characterizing these two gifted men - not diminishing talent or circumstances of the time.
Carroll's extensive research is apparent leaving the reader with an overabundance of information. This is a novel rich in scientific exploration via Monod and literary excellence via Camus. Showcasing two marvelous geniuses and their talents in science and philosophy successes through the detailed and resourceful writing of Sean Carroll.
History fans, as well as lovers of philosophy and science will appreciate the effort and detail of this talented author. Carroll really did an outstanding job, never have I read a biography or history novel so completely detailed and well researched bar none.
Two men, Albert Camus and Jacques Monod both with goals on a mission pursing their dreams in a turbulent time in their country of France.
Carroll cannot be accused of not being detailed oriented. This author is extremely detailed, and I mean extremely, almost borderline extreme in documenting Camus and Monod's involvement in the French Resistance. Being a history fan I appreciate the abundance of information, although at moments it was a bit much. I do feel omitting some of the information would not have compromised the novel in any way, only enhancing this interesting dual biography.
The French Resistance played a crucial role in history and Carroll emphasizes the importance in how France dealt with German movement throughout the country. Under such adverse conditions it is utterly amazing these two men and their achievements were even possible given the dire circumstances. Carroll does a wonderful job characterizing these two gifted men - not diminishing talent or circumstances of the time.
Carroll's extensive research is apparent leaving the reader with an overabundance of information. This is a novel rich in scientific exploration via Monod and literary excellence via Camus. Showcasing two marvelous geniuses and their talents in science and philosophy successes through the detailed and resourceful writing of Sean Carroll.
History fans, as well as lovers of philosophy and science will appreciate the effort and detail of this talented author. Carroll really did an outstanding job, never have I read a biography or history novel so completely detailed and well researched bar none.
November 28, 2015
The first half of Brave Genius was riveting. Carroll weaves the stories of both Monod and Camus adroitly and the "behind the scenes" look at these two leaders of the French Resistance was fascinating. It started to drag for me with the tangent about the uprising in Hungary that had some bearing on the overall stories, but not enough to warrant the sheer number of pages dedicated to it. It was interesting information, but just too much. After that it bogged down again in a lot of science. And don't get me wrong. I like science and I have a background in Biology, but it seemed a little heavy. I did appreciate the appendix at the end that reviewed the scientific concepts concisely. Despite the slow-down in the second half, I would still strongly recommend this book for it's vivid portrayal of two brilliant men and the lasting changes they made in the world around them. Inspiring.
October 13, 2013
Great story of two geniuses that not only fought to free France from the Nazis regime but brought modern science and philosophy together to explain the secret of life through science and literary writing. One won the Nobel prize in science the other for literature. But the story is more than that it is about the sacrifice to free a country and it's people from nazi rule and communist ideology. From the beginning of world war 2 through the Cold War Sean Carroll blends history and discovery together to tell a great story of these two important figures in history.
December 12, 2013
Really fascinating duel biography of Albert Camus and Jacques Monod--their respective work in the French Resistance, their respective careers as a writer and molecular biologist, their anti-communism, their place as public intellectuals, and their philosophic outlook. Carroll's linking of these two figures is unexpected and brilliant.
August 27, 2015
Carroll wrote a beautiful dual-biography of Jacques Monod and Albert Camus, two great humanists and masters of their Art. From the resistance during World War II to their Nobel prices, this is the inspiring and true story of a friendship between a biologist and a writer who never surrendered to any dogma, and both fought for Knowledge and Freedom. Very inspiring!
December 1, 2025
Cannot recommend this book enough . I started reading being vaguely aware of Albert Camus and completely ignorant of Jacques Monod and was completely bowled over by the story of these two giants of the twentieth century. Now I have to read every work written by Camus and "Chance and Necessity" by Monod . Sean Carroll did a magnificent job
October 8, 2020
Brave Genius: A Scientist, a Philosopher, and Their Daring Adventures from the French Resistance to the Nobel Prize by Sean B. Carroll is an account of two Frenchmen in different fields and the friendship that will come as a result of their life events. Carroll earned his BA in biology at Washington University in St. Louis. His PhD is in Immunology from Tufts Medical School, and he conducted his postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He has written several books in his field, most dealing with evolution. His research has centered around genes that control animal body patterns and and their role in the evolution of animal diversity.
Brave Genius is a departure from evolutionary biology for Carroll; instead of biology he writes history. Most of the book centers around France and World War II. There is a great deal of history of the war particularly from the French perspective. Accounts of the French resistance fighters are recorded in “Combat” written in part by resistance member Albert Camus. Likewise a biologist, studying sugar preferences of bacteria, and musician found himself in the resistance movement. Writer Albert Camus and biologist Jacques Monod will both excel in their field and win Nobel Prizes.
Carroll gives a reader a personal look at World War II and its influence on particularly Camus. Camus' The Plague will be an allegory of the Nazi occupation of France. This was also the time Camus began work on The Myth of Sisyphus-- a book on revolt and the will to live. Both Camus and communist Monod became disenchanted with Stalin's version communism. Monod who write and editorial in “Combat”criticizing the Soviet Union's Lysenko. Later Camus would write “The Blood of the Hungarians” in 1957. Camus would later go on to investigate two major questions. How to find meaning in existence and how could another war be prevented. Monod would reappear from the underground return to his family and continue his research. He would also become involve in Hungary by helping a colleague escape the totalitarian state.
Carroll combines World War II and Cold War history and their two forms of totalitarian governments against the want of the people to be free. Both men would also work inside France for freedom. Camus for a free Algeria and Monod with student unrest in 1968. What makes men great is their work beyond their vocations. Both risked their lives fighting Nazism. Both opposed Soviet communism. Camus lost a friend, Sartre, in that dispute. Monod saved a colleague.
Brave Genius is a very well written account of two of the greatest twentieth century Frenchmen. Carroll writes a compelling history and interlaces into it the work and lives of Camus and Monod. The historical events are written in detail and bring out the events that made the men and lead to their humanitarian actions. The book is very well documented and very well worth the read. Highly recommended for those interested in, or wanting to learn about Camus, Monod, and the world in their life time.
Brave Genius is a departure from evolutionary biology for Carroll; instead of biology he writes history. Most of the book centers around France and World War II. There is a great deal of history of the war particularly from the French perspective. Accounts of the French resistance fighters are recorded in “Combat” written in part by resistance member Albert Camus. Likewise a biologist, studying sugar preferences of bacteria, and musician found himself in the resistance movement. Writer Albert Camus and biologist Jacques Monod will both excel in their field and win Nobel Prizes.
Carroll gives a reader a personal look at World War II and its influence on particularly Camus. Camus' The Plague will be an allegory of the Nazi occupation of France. This was also the time Camus began work on The Myth of Sisyphus-- a book on revolt and the will to live. Both Camus and communist Monod became disenchanted with Stalin's version communism. Monod who write and editorial in “Combat”criticizing the Soviet Union's Lysenko. Later Camus would write “The Blood of the Hungarians” in 1957. Camus would later go on to investigate two major questions. How to find meaning in existence and how could another war be prevented. Monod would reappear from the underground return to his family and continue his research. He would also become involve in Hungary by helping a colleague escape the totalitarian state.
Carroll combines World War II and Cold War history and their two forms of totalitarian governments against the want of the people to be free. Both men would also work inside France for freedom. Camus for a free Algeria and Monod with student unrest in 1968. What makes men great is their work beyond their vocations. Both risked their lives fighting Nazism. Both opposed Soviet communism. Camus lost a friend, Sartre, in that dispute. Monod saved a colleague.
Brave Genius is a very well written account of two of the greatest twentieth century Frenchmen. Carroll writes a compelling history and interlaces into it the work and lives of Camus and Monod. The historical events are written in detail and bring out the events that made the men and lead to their humanitarian actions. The book is very well documented and very well worth the read. Highly recommended for those interested in, or wanting to learn about Camus, Monod, and the world in their life time.
December 27, 2018
Before I discuss the book, I want to make a statement about the author. If you have the opportunity to hear this man speak I highly recommend that you do so. I heard him speak on this subject in Dallas and he was fascinating. Absolutely fascinating.
Before you read the book, it is important to know that it is about the lives of four people: Jacques Monod, Albert Camus, Francois Jacob, and Andre Lwoff. At the authors presentation, he made a comment in his opening remarks that was almost an aside referring to the fact that the book was about the lives of four people even though the marketing people had change that to focus on only two of them. The marketing, the book cover, and the descriptions of the book all present it as a book about two men.
I am sorry to say that I was influenced by that marketing and it really made the book difficult to read until I changed my underlying presumptions and re-organized it into the lives of four men. If it was the marketing people that focused on two of the men, they did a real disservice to the book. I can see why the marketing was easier while focusing on only to, but it really messes with your head when you’re trying to read the book.
Having said that the book is fascinating. So often we think of people who have won the Nobel prize as being single minded and focused on only the thing that won them their prize. Perhaps we also think of them as having been privileged in some way so that they were not inconvenienced by the difficulties of life as the rest of us are. This book will quickly dispel those assumptions. These four Nobel prize winners were hands-on in the resistance and fight of World War II. This book is detailed about their chosen field of work as well as their war effort’s and other details of their lives. If you are inspired by the courage of every day people during the world war two era, you will love this book.
Before you read the book, it is important to know that it is about the lives of four people: Jacques Monod, Albert Camus, Francois Jacob, and Andre Lwoff. At the authors presentation, he made a comment in his opening remarks that was almost an aside referring to the fact that the book was about the lives of four people even though the marketing people had change that to focus on only two of them. The marketing, the book cover, and the descriptions of the book all present it as a book about two men.
I am sorry to say that I was influenced by that marketing and it really made the book difficult to read until I changed my underlying presumptions and re-organized it into the lives of four men. If it was the marketing people that focused on two of the men, they did a real disservice to the book. I can see why the marketing was easier while focusing on only to, but it really messes with your head when you’re trying to read the book.
Having said that the book is fascinating. So often we think of people who have won the Nobel prize as being single minded and focused on only the thing that won them their prize. Perhaps we also think of them as having been privileged in some way so that they were not inconvenienced by the difficulties of life as the rest of us are. This book will quickly dispel those assumptions. These four Nobel prize winners were hands-on in the resistance and fight of World War II. This book is detailed about their chosen field of work as well as their war effort’s and other details of their lives. If you are inspired by the courage of every day people during the world war two era, you will love this book.
October 4, 2020
Well it must take really terrible writing to make me start doubting years of admiration for one of my literary heroes, despite this very one-sided, almost unpleasantly saccharine, biography of him. (Also, was Camus' Nobel possibly a strategic move due to his (rightful) condemnation of Stalinist USSR? Am I turning into a conspiracy theorist or an outright cynic??) It is almost ironic that Camus who celebrated the persistence of humans *despite* their failings is subjected to moral absolutism-like treatment in the book, and repeatedly portrayed as the sole "conscience of the twentieth century".
Did enjoy some of the history and recalling my pleasure with the logical puzzles of molecular biology. But in trying to encompass a biography of two men, their work, the general crises in Europe in the first half of the 20th century, I think the book ends up being overly ambitious, doing justice to neither, not being able to afford thoughtful treatment of either Camus' philosophy, the logic of the genetic code and regulation, or political dipoles across Europe. The most disappointing bit is that people are demarcated into completely black/white categories, almost dependent completely on whether they sided with the two subjects.
I also became uncomfortable in parts with a growing realization that audacity and knowing the right people determines your outcome and opportunity to such a large extent, in academia, art and everywhere, and so many collaborations are forged over dinner parties or other private occasions. The exclusion of women and other underrepresented minorities, people from non-western/smaller institutions or people outside the traditional echelons of power from these events, whether explicit or not, continues to be a reality, perpetuating this self-sustaining imbalance in who is seen to be, or gets to be, the embodiment of the "brave genius".
Sigh...
Did enjoy some of the history and recalling my pleasure with the logical puzzles of molecular biology. But in trying to encompass a biography of two men, their work, the general crises in Europe in the first half of the 20th century, I think the book ends up being overly ambitious, doing justice to neither, not being able to afford thoughtful treatment of either Camus' philosophy, the logic of the genetic code and regulation, or political dipoles across Europe. The most disappointing bit is that people are demarcated into completely black/white categories, almost dependent completely on whether they sided with the two subjects.
I also became uncomfortable in parts with a growing realization that audacity and knowing the right people determines your outcome and opportunity to such a large extent, in academia, art and everywhere, and so many collaborations are forged over dinner parties or other private occasions. The exclusion of women and other underrepresented minorities, people from non-western/smaller institutions or people outside the traditional echelons of power from these events, whether explicit or not, continues to be a reality, perpetuating this self-sustaining imbalance in who is seen to be, or gets to be, the embodiment of the "brave genius".
Sigh...
December 17, 2018
This book is somewhere between a 3 and a 4 for me. As a huge fan of Camus's work, I had higher hopes for it.
Pluses: I learned a lot about history -- WWII, the French Resistance, Hungary, USSR, biology, genetics, etc.
Minuses: While Camus and Monod were friends and had much in common, I don't think the author achieves his goal of showing how much they influenced each other. Already like-minded, it seemed they shared an understanding but he didn't show how they pushed each other forward. Sure Monod picked up Camus's mantle as a conscience for France after his Nobel prize and Camus's death but nothing is to say he wouldn't have even if Camus had lived. From his previous social achievements it would be a logical step.
The author is clearly more comfortable with history and science as evidenced by the detail paid to the first third of the book on WWII and the resistance and all of the experiments, conferences, and movements of the Pasteur Institute. I would have liked to see more about Camus and the development of his philosophy.
Overall, it was an interesting read. Monod, the person, was new to me and definitely a figure worth learning about. I think a book just to him with cameos with Camus is where the author should have gone.
Pluses: I learned a lot about history -- WWII, the French Resistance, Hungary, USSR, biology, genetics, etc.
Minuses: While Camus and Monod were friends and had much in common, I don't think the author achieves his goal of showing how much they influenced each other. Already like-minded, it seemed they shared an understanding but he didn't show how they pushed each other forward. Sure Monod picked up Camus's mantle as a conscience for France after his Nobel prize and Camus's death but nothing is to say he wouldn't have even if Camus had lived. From his previous social achievements it would be a logical step.
The author is clearly more comfortable with history and science as evidenced by the detail paid to the first third of the book on WWII and the resistance and all of the experiments, conferences, and movements of the Pasteur Institute. I would have liked to see more about Camus and the development of his philosophy.
Overall, it was an interesting read. Monod, the person, was new to me and definitely a figure worth learning about. I think a book just to him with cameos with Camus is where the author should have gone.
October 3, 2023
Brave Genius is a book by Sean B. Carroll. It discusses the lives of Philosopher Albert Camus and Biochemist Jacques Monad. Specifically, it covers their lives from World War II, when the Nazis occupied France, to when they died. Carroll has a unique perspective since he is a biologist.
I heard of Albert Camus before; I read one or two of his books. As for Jacques Monad, I vaguely recall hearing about him from reading lists of Nobel Prize winners, but I didn't know what he did. Monad is one of the founders of Molecular Biology for his discoveries. Specifically, he discovered the mechanism used by bacteria to digest sugars. Please excuse my gross oversimplification of his work.
The book contains a healthy dose of history. It discusses the wishy-washy stance of Neville Chamberlain and the mistrust of Édouard Daladier against Adolf Hitler. World War I was still fresh in their minds, and many European citizens didn’t want another war.
In Nazi-occupied France, Camus and Monad joined the French Resistance and helped in the battle against the Nazis. Camus was part of the newspaper, and Monad became Chief of Staff of Operations.
I enjoyed the book. It taught me about Jacques Monad and a bit about World War II. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
I heard of Albert Camus before; I read one or two of his books. As for Jacques Monad, I vaguely recall hearing about him from reading lists of Nobel Prize winners, but I didn't know what he did. Monad is one of the founders of Molecular Biology for his discoveries. Specifically, he discovered the mechanism used by bacteria to digest sugars. Please excuse my gross oversimplification of his work.
The book contains a healthy dose of history. It discusses the wishy-washy stance of Neville Chamberlain and the mistrust of Édouard Daladier against Adolf Hitler. World War I was still fresh in their minds, and many European citizens didn’t want another war.
In Nazi-occupied France, Camus and Monad joined the French Resistance and helped in the battle against the Nazis. Camus was part of the newspaper, and Monad became Chief of Staff of Operations.
I enjoyed the book. It taught me about Jacques Monad and a bit about World War II. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
April 26, 2024
An amazing Nexus of two Powerful Lives and Minds
Far from beginning as an analysis of the bonding of two great intellects, Carroll starts by providing a highly detailed chronology of France’s entry into and years under Hitler’s domination in WW II. While confusing to the Reader initially, it becomes very clear very soon. For both Camus and Monod these years were crucial to the formation of their Lives and Worldviews.
Their roles in The Resistance, while superficially disparate, aligned perfectly with their subsequent respective creative Lives, their Writings and Philosophies. While I knew almost nothing about Jacques Monod before reading Brave Genius, I was fascinated by how much his career and Life mirrored that of Camus and how his approach to the Scientific Quest was influenced by L’Etrangere and Sisyphus.
Since I have been a fervent follower of Camus since High School, this book also inspired me to read some additional of his essays and speeches that displayed even more of the breadth and depth of his Atheism and Existentialism. I would recommend other readers read this book and other works by these two geniuses. They would provide excellent role models and sources for others searching for answers to Life’s Big Questions. Four stars. ****
Far from beginning as an analysis of the bonding of two great intellects, Carroll starts by providing a highly detailed chronology of France’s entry into and years under Hitler’s domination in WW II. While confusing to the Reader initially, it becomes very clear very soon. For both Camus and Monod these years were crucial to the formation of their Lives and Worldviews.
Their roles in The Resistance, while superficially disparate, aligned perfectly with their subsequent respective creative Lives, their Writings and Philosophies. While I knew almost nothing about Jacques Monod before reading Brave Genius, I was fascinated by how much his career and Life mirrored that of Camus and how his approach to the Scientific Quest was influenced by L’Etrangere and Sisyphus.
Since I have been a fervent follower of Camus since High School, this book also inspired me to read some additional of his essays and speeches that displayed even more of the breadth and depth of his Atheism and Existentialism. I would recommend other readers read this book and other works by these two geniuses. They would provide excellent role models and sources for others searching for answers to Life’s Big Questions. Four stars. ****
October 22, 2018
This book feels more like a textbook that a book meant for entertainment and so it took me a bit of work to make it to the end. The best parts were the description of France before and during the second world war. It really explained why the collaborationists were so loathed and de Gaulle was so beloved. My main complaint was I did not really feel like I got to know either of the two main geniuses portrayed in this books. Also, after world war II, there was less historical context and I felt the lack for the later parts of the book. Finally, I have read some biology so I know some of the basic mechanics of DNA. I felt some of the science could have gotten a little more elaboration. For example, there is a basic claim that proteins do everything and so DNA by controlling proteins can do anything. Who figured this out and when? The history (up to world war II) got good background, the science could have done the same. I have read some other accounts of science in development and they did a better job of communicating the excitement of figuring out fundamental things for the first time.
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