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Francis S. Collins
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The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust Hardcover – September 17, 2024

by Francis S. Collins (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 143 ratings
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From “national treasure” Francis Collins (Philip Yancey), the New York Times bestselling author of The Language of God and former director of the National Institutes of Health, comes a deeply thoughtful guidebook to get us beyond societal divisions and back to the sources of wisdom—"the sort that can save us before it is too late” (Jane Goodall).

As the COVID-19 pandemic revealed, we have become not just a hyper-partisan society but also a deeply cynical one, distrustful of traditional sources of knowledge and wisdom. Skepticism about vaccines led to the needless deaths of at least 230,000 Americans. “Do your own research” is now a rallying cry in many online rabbit holes. Yet experts can make mistakes, and institutions can lose their moral compass. So how can we navigate through all this?

In The Road to Wisdom, Francis Collins reminds us of the four core sources of judgement and clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust. Drawing on his work from the Human Genome Project and heading the National Institutes of Health, as well as on ethics, philosophy, and Christian theology, Collins makes a robust, thoughtful case for each of these sources—their reliability, and their limits. Ultimately, he shows how they work together, not separately—and certainly not in conflict. It is only when we relink these four foundations of wisdom that we can begin to discern the best path forward in life.

​Thoughtful, accessible, winsome, and deeply wise, The Road to Wisdom leads us beyond current animosities to surer footing. Here is the moral, philosophical, and scientific framework with which to address the problems of our time—including distrust of public health, partisanship, racism, response to climate change, and threats to our democracy—but also to guide us in our daily lives. This is a book that will repay many readings, and resolve dilemmas that we all face every day.
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  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Little, Brown and Company
  4. Publication date
    September 17, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    6.4 x 1 x 9.65 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0316576301
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0316576307
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Road to Wisdom by Francis S. Collins
Road to Wisdom by Francis S. Collins
Road to Wisdom by Francis S. Collins
Road to Wisdom by Francis S. Collins

Editorial Reviews

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“Through his leadership of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis Collins revealed the simple truth that we are all far more alike than we are different. Now, in his thoughtful book The Road to Wisdom, he urges us to have the courage and humility to bridge our divides, embrace what we have in common, and rebuild a fractured society.  When Dr. Collins speaks, I listen—and his message is more important now than ever.”
 ―President Bill Clinton

“In The Road to Wisdom, Francis Collins—a distinguished scientist as well as a former atheist who found meaning in the Christian faith—draws on his own deep, diverse experiences as he leads us through a maze of conflicting beliefs and opinions in search of wisdom: the sort that can save us before it is too late. This book should be read by anyone, Christian and non-Christian alike, who is seeking meaning or trying to make sense of our troubled times.”―Jane Goodall

"Francis Collins offers us a path back to wisdom with this inspirational and unflinching look at his life as a research scientist, a man of faith, and a servant-leader who oversaw the work of our nation’s medical research agency through turbulent times. In the final pages of The Road to Wisdom, he urges us to sign a pledge, committing to seek truth, build trust, and practice generosity. I hope that many, many readers will join me in doing so.”―Yo-Yo Ma

"Dr. Francis Collins is a national treasure, acclaimed not only for his scientific achievements but for his example as a bridge person in a polarized time.  He has served under every U.S. president of this century, in the process winning the respect of some of his fiercest critics. Amid the shrillness of our era, Dr. Collins offers a calming voice of hope, as well as practical suggestions on how to heal the nation’s wounds."―Philip Yancey, author of What’s So Amazing About Grace

“Working with Francis Collins as he led the National Institutes of Health under three very different presidents, I saw firsthand his ability to find common ground and common goals. As timely as it is compelling, The Road to Wisdom is an encapsulation of those gifts, based on the reinforcing values of truth, science, faith, and trust.”―Senator Roy Blunt

"Drawing on decades of public service, Francis Collins blends science, faith, and philosophy in The Road to Wisdom. Full of insights to help readers navigate today's complex world and grapple with critical issues including public health, partisanship, and climate change, this book is essential reading for anyone seeking clarity and direction."―Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Laureate, and co-author of A Crack in Creation

“In this important and timely book, Francis Collins takes on fundamental questions of faith and science and suggests ways to bridge the gaps that divide us by more actively engaging with those with whom we disagree. Listening, understanding, and tolerance are the essential threads that weave their way throughout The Road to Wisdom—a book to learn from.”
 ―Kay Redfield Jamison, author of Fires in the Dark and An Unquiet Mind

“Smart… lucid… [The Road to Wisdom] has plenty to offer.”―Publishers Weekly

“Collins, a physician, evangelical Christian, and former director of the National Institutes of Health, seeks a remedy for the divisiveness and anger that besets our nation… Drawing on examples from his personal and professional experiences, he reveals times when his trust has been honored, and times when it has been broken. As a scientist who finds belief in a Christian God “entirely consistent” with his faith in evidence-based truths and scientific methods, he recounts his journey from atheism to Christianity. Overall, Collins urges each reader to create a renewed sense of community through “reanchoring your worldview”; engaging with family, friends, and community; and carefully distinguishing facts from fakes. Thoughtful guidance in tumultuous times.”―Kirkus Reviews

“An important book…thought-provoking…[Collins] proves to be a reliable, insightful, and agreeable guide to the road to wisdom.”―Booklist

“The Road to Wisdom is enlightening both in its illumination of Collins’s personal journey to wisdom and for the insights it offers into his views on sources of wisdom.”―Science Magazine

“One sees why, as a scientist, doctor and Christian, [Collins] felt he had to write his new book, The Road to Wisdom. Collins hopes to help rebuild wisdom, which could be broadly defined as the good judgment that might have kept us out of this mess. Collins urges us to trust those with competence, integrity and an appropriate humility.”

―Washington Post

“Collins’s book is a cri de Coeur that looks to the future. Its argument is, in essence, that truth, science, faith, and trust jointly lead to wisdom.  The thrust of Collins’s argument is that we need to do a better job of listening to one another. 'If our nation’s political system has lost much of its commitment to truth, compromise, and civility,' Collins argues, 'it is up to us to turn that around.' It’s a worthy sentiment, even if it remains an elusive goal.”―Harvard Public Health Magazine

About the Author

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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company (September 17, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316576301
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316576307
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1 x 9.65 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 143 ratings

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Francis S. Collins

Francis S. Collins

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Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., helped to discover the genetic misspellings that cause cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, Huntington's disease, and a rare form of premature aging called progeria. A pioneer gene hunter, he led the Human Genome Project from 1993 until 2008. For his revolutionary contributions to genetic research, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007, and the National Medal of Science in 2009. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and has a longstanding interest in the interface between science and faith. He currently serves as the Director of the National Institutes of Health. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland, and in his spare time he enjoys riding a motorcycle and playing guitar.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
143 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking, interesting, and engaging. They describe it as a valuable resource and well-written by an experienced scientist.

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7 customers mention "Reading quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, interesting, and engaging. They say it excels at bridging science and religion, offering a path forward that integrates both. Readers also mention the book is well-written by an experienced scientist and highlights the critical importance of recognizing the foundations of wisdom.

"This is a no nonsense book that is well written by an experienced scientist...." Read more

"...five-star rating because I enjoyed reading the book and learned new and useful skills." Read more

"...Good read ans valuable resource." Read more

"...The book excels in bridging science and religion, offering a path forward that integrates both realms without compromising the complexities of either..." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable. They say it's a valuable resource and well-written by an experienced scientist.

"This is a no nonsense book that is well written by an experienced scientist...." Read more

"...I chose the five-star rating because I enjoyed reading the book and learned new and useful skills." Read more

"...Good read ans valuable resource." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Sharon K. Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
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This is a no nonsense book that is well written by an experienced scientist. He covers his journey through his career in science and his personal spiritual growth. He shares that wisdom was cultivated through his experiences of failure, his commitment to research, tenacity, and to relieve suffering. The book reveals a person of great integrity. He covers well the outlandish misinformation that referred to Covid vaccines. He articulates that the consequences of misinformation have been tragic and he explains why. He States, "We are in serious trouble when some believe that their faith requires them to distrust science or when others believe that political allegiances are a better source of wisdom than truth, faith or science. To be clear, this is not just a problem of one end of the political spectrum; no political party has a monopoly on virtue or truth. ...something deeper in our culture is wrong. In many aspects of our daily discourse, the links between science, faith, and trust seem to have been broken." I highly recommend reading this book for serious deep observation on these matters.
12 people found this helpful
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Benedict I. Truman
5.0 out of 5 stars Learning how to love my neighbors
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2024
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I liked the practical advice on how to take effective actions to achieve my objective of loving my neighbors as I love myself. I will recommend the book to my friends with whom I meet once monthly via video conference to discuss issues of mutual interest. I chose the five-star rating because I enjoyed reading the book and learned new and useful skills.
2 people found this helpful
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LCannon
4.0 out of 5 stars Integrity, Competence, Humility and Aligned values
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
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Rather than shouting fascist or transgender right Collins maintains an equilibrium rare in this culture. Good read ans valuable resource.
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R.L. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars A Thoughtful Exploration of Faith and Science
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2024
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In “The Road to Wisdom”, Francis Collins, one of America’s top problem solvers, confronts some of today’s most divisive issues: the attack on truth, misunderstanding of science, the role of faith, and a loss of trust in institutions. With his unique perspective as the former director of the NIH during the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins presents these challenges in a way that's both accessible and thought-provoking for general readers.

The book excels in bridging science and religion, offering a path forward that integrates both realms without compromising the complexities of either. Collins doesn't just focus on knowledge but on the wisdom gained from integrating science, faith, and the human experience into a coherent understanding of reality. His clear-eyed optimism is refreshing, as he offers real solutions without minimizing the gravity of the problems.

This work has something for everyone—whether you're a naturalist scientist or a Christian grappling with the implications of science. Collins’ proposals for a more trusting, truth-driven society are timely and crucial, especially in our current polarized climate. I especially appreciated how Collins tackles the dangerous consequences of denying scientific truth, particularly as we continue to face major global challenges.

Overall, The Road to Wisdom is a must-read, offering a clear, realistic, yet hopeful vision for the future. I highly recommend it to anyone willing to engage deeply with the intersection of science, faith, and truth. Five stars.
17 people found this helpful
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Clinton
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read for objective thinkers
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
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I found this well written and very engaging. Covering topics that would typically be beyond my layman's understanding, things were delivered in terms of great explanation and realization that the readers must understand the concepts presented rather than the intricate scientific knowledge expressed. It was hard to put this down, and I found it very enlightening and am better for reading.
Thank you, Doctor, for your service and may God bless.
2 people found this helpful
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Will R.
3.0 out of 5 stars A interesting read but why no discussion of Trump's influence on the pandemic?
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
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I really liked Dr. Collins description of how faith is not contradicted by science and vice - versa. As I shared above I think his avoidance of discussing Donald Trump's influence on the course of Covid 19 is a glaring weakness of the book. He refers to unnecessary deaths from Covid 19 but makes no mention of Trump's negative influence resulting in many thousands of Americans not getting the vaccine and not using protective measures such as social distancing and face masks.
2 people found this helpful
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Henry Mosley
5.0 out of 5 stars Needed for Our Time
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
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This is the book needed for our time of political division and enmity towards those with whom we disagree. It highlights the critical importance of the recognizing that the foundations of wisdom must be built on recognizing that there are such things as foundational truth and scientific facts, that faith is essential to understanding the meaning and purpose of life and guiding benevolent human interactions, and that healthy societies cannot exist without mututal trust. Importantly, there are guideline for how even individuals can take steps toward overcoming the divisiveness in our homes, communities and nation.
5 people found this helpful
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Candice G Cambridge
4.0 out of 5 stars thoughtful and hopeful
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
It was a little bit of a tough read, but worth it. Gave me hope to get thru these difficult times and optimism for the future.
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Top reviews from other countries

Robert Watts
2.0 out of 5 stars Not worth reading
Reviewed in Canada on October 29, 2024
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Have philosophical difficulties. I’m sure the book would appeal to many.
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