Dyson has written an enjoyable book about science. It is a tour deforce that provides insight into one man’s view of what the future mighthold--and what he sees as the three legs of the stool that will bethe foundation of this vision (research and development related to thesun, the genome, and the Internet, as noted in the title). As he isquick to point out, the history of science is both subjective andobjective; certain facts are indisputable, but how these facts areinterpreted or changed into knowledge is based on subjective points ofview. For example, whether the process of scientific discovery is seenas driven by new concepts or by new tools (the approach he favors)determines the way in which people formulate their views. As he states,“the science that I describe in this book is Galisonian science,based on the clever use of tools rather than on philosophical argument.Science for me is the practice of a skilled craft, closer toboilermaking [his grandfather’s profession/craft] than tophilosophy” (p. 14).

The author is eclectic and erudite. He combines a passion forscience with an elegant yet folksy manner of discussing it. His story,and I definitely see it more as a story than as a fleshed-out version ofthree lectures (which it really is), is enhanced by his digressionsabout family members, friends, and colleagues. In fact, what initiallyappear to be slight digressions are often key pieces in underlining thepoints he is making. I particularly liked his anecdote about playing aviolin duet by Mozart with his ten-year-old daughter, but I leave it tothe reader to see why it is special.

In general, the author tries to be even-handed in his treatment ofthe benefits versus the adverse consequences of scientific research.Yet at heart he is an optimist, perhaps even more so than I. Part of thepleasure of reading the book is deciding with which of his points youmost strongly agree and disagree. For example, he says “the newcentury will be a good time for new beginnings. Technology guided byethics has the power to help the billions of poor people all over theearth…. One of the greatest evils is ruralpoverty” (p. 61). I certainly agree, butin the ensuing discussion he never mentions the problem of illiteracy.One can argue that he cannot be expected to discuss every possibleproblem in 118 pages, but I felt this was a problem begging to bediscussed in this context. However, my point here is not to find faultwith what Dyson says, or does not say, but to applaud him for gettingthe reader to actively participate in the “thinking andrethinking” of the possible consequences of advances in thesethree fields.

Finally, I applaud the dream he shares with us: “that solarenergy and genetic engineering and the internet will work together tocreate a socially just world.…Ethics must guide technology in thedirection of social justice. Let us help to push the world in thatdirection as hard as we can. It does no har m to hope”(p. 74).

Whether you agree or disagree with the author’s views, you willfind this book educational and enjoyable.