Paul Callaghan: Luminous Moments

by Paul Callaghan, Catherine Callaghan (Foreword)

Acknowledged internationally for his ground-breaking scientific research in the field of magnetic resonance, Sir Paul Callaghan was a scientist and visionary with a rare gift for promoting science to a wide audience. He was named New Zealander of the Year in 2011. His death in early 2012 robbed New Zealand of an inspirational leader.

'Paul Callaghan: Luminous Moments' brings together some of his most significant writing. Whether he describes his childhood in Wanganui, reflects on discovering the beauty of science, sets out New Zealand’s future potential or discusses the experience of fatherhood, Sir Paul Callaghan offers eloquent narratives that will endure in this country’s literature. Meeting with the cancer that ended his life, he documents for us all ways of living well in the face of illness. As his daughter Catherine writes in her moving foreword: ‘He became his own scientific experiment.’

Genres: Nonfiction

54 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2013

About the author

Paul Callaghan is a First Nations custodian in the land now called Australia. Paul belongs to the land of the Worimi people which is located on the east coast of Australia about 2 hours north of Sydney, New South Wales. He is an Aboriginal story teller and dancer. Paul has held a number of senior executive positions in his career and has qualifications in a diverse range of disciplines including surveying, drafting, accounting, economics, training, executive leadership, emotional intelligence, company boards, and executive/organisational coaching.
Paul’s passion however has always been around healing individuals, communities and the Earth our Mother. His corporate roles have always incorporated this passion.
Paul has been ‘going bush’ for many, many years and learning traditional ‘Lore’ from his Elders much of which he is willing to share with those who respect it.
Paul also ran a very successful spiritual/energy healing practice for many years with a wide variety of clients and illnesses.
The underpinning foundation of the book is his journey through depression and the role Aboriginal culture, spirituality and philosophy had in not only enabling him to recover, but also empowering him to live life by his truth rather than everybody else’s expectations. The book has a number of exercises and models based on his experience aimed at assisting people from all walks of life to build the courage and skills to live a life of purpose, choice and wellbeing. You will find it is a combination of styles including textbook, self help, Aboriginal history, Aboriginal philosophy, Aboriginal spirituality and an autobiography of his journey through depression.

Reviews

[Keen Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

REVIEW OF PAPERBACK EDITION!

1.5 Stars!

“To live each day as though it were our last and, at the same time, to live as though we will live forever.”

Now from what I can see Callaghan was rather good at what he did and he was clearly a nice guy too, but I think it’s fair to say that he is not what you would call a naturally gifted writer. I saw very little in here which was in the least bit compelling, in fact the only highlight was actually a transcription of a radio interview done with the feisty Kim Hill, which provided the only charge throughout the book.

So I remain puzzled why this was deemed interesting enough to publish. Perhaps they were going for the Oliver Sacks meets Paul Kalanithi angle?...The prose is bland, flat and seemingly pointless, and it also suffers from unnecessary repetition (we are told at least three times where he was born in under 90 pages?). I feel like I have missed something here?...

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still part way through reading these essays but can't give this book anything other than a 5/5. Sir Callaghan is an inspiration and writes about both his work and his experiences of illness with such eloquence and intelligence. This short collection is inspiring, yet saddening following the death of this brilliant man.

Update: Now finished. Definitely worth reading. I will be keeping this close by for moments when I need inspiration to continue with university, work, life... I particularly liked the theme that runs throughout his writing about how we can best develop science in NZ, particularly with regards to clinical trials.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable introduction to the life and mind of one of New Zealand's most prominent scientists, with life lessons for all, not just those who dabble in science.

[Matthew Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Callaghan's devotion to the scientific method is probably the really interesting aspect of this book, and it's repeated often enough given the format of short essays and talks from over the years. Touching stories too of dealing with cancer. A good book for getting to know something of this significant figure in science. Couldn't help thinking that each piece could have been introduced with a little bit of context rather than expecting the reader to refer to the Acknowledgements for information on where they first appeared. But a minor grumble. And non-scientists shouldn't be put off by some of the heavy science - there's not much of it.

[Peter Mellalieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radiantly illuminating.