The interface of the scientist, as a human animal, with the trials and
triumphs of science has been subject to increasing scrutiny, with
varying degrees of sympathy. From an approach I’ll call both fair and
hopeful, I have long been fascinated by that interface. In particular,
my recent writing immerses readers in the context and infrastructure of
breakthroughs. In this talk, with the KITP community firmly in mind, I
aim to share the most relevant and interesting observations and
questions arising from my last few projects. These areas include sensory
biophysics, the life and work of Max Planck, and the collective
problem-solving underlying the Apollo missions. As admittedly incoherent
as that grouping appears, compatible threads motivate new writing
projects, with what I hope to be worthy questions for my theorist
colleagues.
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