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The Shape of Wonder

How Scientists Think, Work, and Live

Author Alan Lightman, Martin Rees
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Ebook
Knopf | Pantheon
On sale Sep 02, 2025 | 224 Pages | 9780593702031
Grades 9-12
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In this captivating, insightful book, acclaimed physicists Alan Lightman and Martin Rees illuminate the life and work of numerous scientists in order to demystify the scientific process and show that scientists are concerned citizens, just like the rest of us.

“Remarkable. . . . Illuminating with refreshing clarity the ordinary and sometimes extraordinary work of scientists. This book is essential reading." —Jennifer Ackerman, bestselling author of What an Owl Knows

In an age of rapid scientific discovery and technological advancement, it’s understandable that many feel uneasy about the future. While we might have confidence in these new developments when we go to the hospital for a medical procedure, fly in an airplane, or take an elevator to the top floor of a building, the motivations and lives of scientists themselves feel shrouded from public view. There is a growing sense that scientists are not to be trusted—that they may be guided by political or financial interests, or beholden to governments, or state institutions.

This growing mistrust of scientists is an urgent problem. With the onset of climate change, the imminent threats of pandemic or nuclear war, and rapid acceleration in the fields of artificial intelligence and DNA sequencing, innovations in science have the potential to change the world. It’s crucial that we not only gain a better understanding of science as a field, but also reestablish trust with its practitioners.

The Shape of Wonder guides us through the fascinating lives and minds of scientists around the world and throughout time, from a young theoretical physicist who works as a research assistant professor at the University of Washington and rock climbs in their free time; to German physicist Werner Heisenberg in his early life, when he was a student of music and philosophy; to Govind Swarup, an Indian astronomer whose work on radio telescopes was profoundly important. We get an inside peek at what makes scientists tick—their daily lives, passions, and concerns about the societies they live in.

In this brilliant and elucidative work, Lightman and Rees pull back the curtain on the field of science, revealing that scientists are driven by the same sense of curiosity, wonder, and responsibility towards the future that shapes us all.
© Michael Lionstar
ALAN LIGHTMAN earned his PhD in physics from the California Institute of Technology and is the author of seven novels, including the international best seller Einstein’s Dreams and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award. His nonfiction includes The Accidental Universe, Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine, and Probable Impossibilities. He has taught at Harvard and at MIT, where he was the first person to receive a dual faculty appointment in science and the humanities. He is currently a professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. He is the host of the public television series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science. View titles by Alan Lightman
Martin Rees is a leading cosmologist and astrophysicist. He was Master of Trinity College, Cambridge from 2004 to 2012, is a member of the House of Lords, and former president of the Royal Society. He lives in Cambridge, England. View titles by Martin Rees
A SEPTEMBER 2025 NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB MUST-READ BOOK

"Extraordinary. . . . A delightful exploration that provides 'an honest picture of scientists as people and how they work and think.'"
—Free Astroscience

"[This] delightful new book. . . . [explores] the nature of science, examining the role of critical thinking, and looking at how scientific theories are created and revised as new evidence emerges."
—Physics World

"A valuable effort to dismantle stereotypes of scientists as mouthpieces of elite institutions. . . . [The Shape of Wonder] offers plenty for readers to chew on."
—Publishers Weekly

"[The Shape of Wonder] combines a humanistic outlook with the accomplished practice of recognized scientists. . . . Highly recommended for readers who want to understand the scientific method and how scientists decide what fields and topics to investigate."
—Library Journal

"Many people have lost trust in long-established institutions, and the lost trust in science is especially troubling, because science and technology play a key role in modern life. Lightman and Rees are well positioned to address the issue. . . . A strong case for public involvement in science."
—Kirkus Reviews

“I loved this book. It’s a remarkable window into what it’s really like to be a scientist. The stories are riveting, allowing us to connect with scientists—their passion, curiosity, ways of thinking, and yes, wonder—in a deeply personal way, and illuminating with refreshing clarity their ordinary and sometimes extraordinary work. The book is essential reading, not only because it changes the way we see the scientific enterprise (how it requires revision, for instance, explaining the swings we so often perceive); but also because it offers a clear understanding of the science itself, so vital to making wise choices, choices that will shape the lives of our children and our children’s children.
—Jennifer Ackerman, bestselling author of What an Owl Knows

“The Shape of Wonder is a riveting exploration of science as disciplined wonder—driven by curiosity, honed by evidence, and human to the core. Through vivid storytelling and firsthand accounts, it brings scientists to life—not as distant figures in white lab coats, but as passionate individuals who question, revise, and test the boundaries. It demystifies the so-called “scientific method,” revealing it as an essential form of critical thinking. It dismantles the myth that scientific revision signals uncertainty; instead, it reveals how the latest thinking always evolves. Yet, as advances in AI, climate science, and genetics race ahead, mistrust of science threatens our ability to navigate an unpredictable future. This book makes the case for both trust and humility—science can answer many questions, but not those of morality, beauty, or ethics. Eye-opening, urgent, and engaging, The Shape of Wonder is both a celebration of scientific curiosity and a plea to see science as an evolving, essential cultural force. We cannot afford to ignore it.”
—Roger Highfield, Director of External Affairs at Science Museum Group

About

In this captivating, insightful book, acclaimed physicists Alan Lightman and Martin Rees illuminate the life and work of numerous scientists in order to demystify the scientific process and show that scientists are concerned citizens, just like the rest of us.

“Remarkable. . . . Illuminating with refreshing clarity the ordinary and sometimes extraordinary work of scientists. This book is essential reading." —Jennifer Ackerman, bestselling author of What an Owl Knows

In an age of rapid scientific discovery and technological advancement, it’s understandable that many feel uneasy about the future. While we might have confidence in these new developments when we go to the hospital for a medical procedure, fly in an airplane, or take an elevator to the top floor of a building, the motivations and lives of scientists themselves feel shrouded from public view. There is a growing sense that scientists are not to be trusted—that they may be guided by political or financial interests, or beholden to governments, or state institutions.

This growing mistrust of scientists is an urgent problem. With the onset of climate change, the imminent threats of pandemic or nuclear war, and rapid acceleration in the fields of artificial intelligence and DNA sequencing, innovations in science have the potential to change the world. It’s crucial that we not only gain a better understanding of science as a field, but also reestablish trust with its practitioners.

The Shape of Wonder guides us through the fascinating lives and minds of scientists around the world and throughout time, from a young theoretical physicist who works as a research assistant professor at the University of Washington and rock climbs in their free time; to German physicist Werner Heisenberg in his early life, when he was a student of music and philosophy; to Govind Swarup, an Indian astronomer whose work on radio telescopes was profoundly important. We get an inside peek at what makes scientists tick—their daily lives, passions, and concerns about the societies they live in.

In this brilliant and elucidative work, Lightman and Rees pull back the curtain on the field of science, revealing that scientists are driven by the same sense of curiosity, wonder, and responsibility towards the future that shapes us all.

Author

© Michael Lionstar
ALAN LIGHTMAN earned his PhD in physics from the California Institute of Technology and is the author of seven novels, including the international best seller Einstein’s Dreams and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award. His nonfiction includes The Accidental Universe, Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine, and Probable Impossibilities. He has taught at Harvard and at MIT, where he was the first person to receive a dual faculty appointment in science and the humanities. He is currently a professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. He is the host of the public television series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science. View titles by Alan Lightman
Martin Rees is a leading cosmologist and astrophysicist. He was Master of Trinity College, Cambridge from 2004 to 2012, is a member of the House of Lords, and former president of the Royal Society. He lives in Cambridge, England. View titles by Martin Rees

Praise

A SEPTEMBER 2025 NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB MUST-READ BOOK

"Extraordinary. . . . A delightful exploration that provides 'an honest picture of scientists as people and how they work and think.'"
—Free Astroscience

"[This] delightful new book. . . . [explores] the nature of science, examining the role of critical thinking, and looking at how scientific theories are created and revised as new evidence emerges."
—Physics World

"A valuable effort to dismantle stereotypes of scientists as mouthpieces of elite institutions. . . . [The Shape of Wonder] offers plenty for readers to chew on."
—Publishers Weekly

"[The Shape of Wonder] combines a humanistic outlook with the accomplished practice of recognized scientists. . . . Highly recommended for readers who want to understand the scientific method and how scientists decide what fields and topics to investigate."
—Library Journal

"Many people have lost trust in long-established institutions, and the lost trust in science is especially troubling, because science and technology play a key role in modern life. Lightman and Rees are well positioned to address the issue. . . . A strong case for public involvement in science."
—Kirkus Reviews

“I loved this book. It’s a remarkable window into what it’s really like to be a scientist. The stories are riveting, allowing us to connect with scientists—their passion, curiosity, ways of thinking, and yes, wonder—in a deeply personal way, and illuminating with refreshing clarity their ordinary and sometimes extraordinary work. The book is essential reading, not only because it changes the way we see the scientific enterprise (how it requires revision, for instance, explaining the swings we so often perceive); but also because it offers a clear understanding of the science itself, so vital to making wise choices, choices that will shape the lives of our children and our children’s children.
—Jennifer Ackerman, bestselling author of What an Owl Knows

“The Shape of Wonder is a riveting exploration of science as disciplined wonder—driven by curiosity, honed by evidence, and human to the core. Through vivid storytelling and firsthand accounts, it brings scientists to life—not as distant figures in white lab coats, but as passionate individuals who question, revise, and test the boundaries. It demystifies the so-called “scientific method,” revealing it as an essential form of critical thinking. It dismantles the myth that scientific revision signals uncertainty; instead, it reveals how the latest thinking always evolves. Yet, as advances in AI, climate science, and genetics race ahead, mistrust of science threatens our ability to navigate an unpredictable future. This book makes the case for both trust and humility—science can answer many questions, but not those of morality, beauty, or ethics. Eye-opening, urgent, and engaging, The Shape of Wonder is both a celebration of scientific curiosity and a plea to see science as an evolving, essential cultural force. We cannot afford to ignore it.”
—Roger Highfield, Director of External Affairs at Science Museum Group

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