In The Sacred Depths of Nature, this superb cell biologist, thoughtful member of faculty at Washington University in St Louis and mother of five, reviews, in some 12 chapters, the major concepts of biological science at the beginning of the 21st century.
Lynn Margulis, THES 27/9/00.
Perhaps the greatest value of the book is not at all the reflective philosophy she espouses but her clean prose in the explanation of mutation, enzyme catalysis and alleic segregation of calcium-channel genes in cats.
Lynn Margulis, THES 27/9/00.
"Goodenough gives us a new bridge between science and religion that is both eloquent and elegant. She offers us the poetry, power, and passion of her vision of nature, a vision born from scientific knowledge, nurtured by religious sensibility, and inspired by nature itself."
Mary Evelyn Tucker, historian of religion, Bucknell University "An engaging, authoritative and lyrical account of the molecular basis of life and its evolution. Goodenough...explains the dynamics of biology with the evident pleasure of a gifted science writer. Her reflections evoke a deep gratitude for the magic of our existence and the necessity to preserve that which makes it possible."
Thomas Pollard, cell biologist, President, The Salk Institute "Incisive, comprehensive, witty, and beautiful, with paragraph after paragraph of lucidity and significance. We could be witnessing one of the most important cultural events of the last three centuries
the moment when scientists themselves take seriously their role in forging a planetary wisdom."
Brian Swimme, cosmologist, California Institute of Integral Studies "A celebration of molecular biology, with meditiations on the spiritual and religious meaning that can be found at the heart of science....Makes an important contribution to the ongoing dialog between science and religion. This book will engage anyone who has ever been mesmerized
or terrified
by the mysteries of existence."
Biology Digest "Her descriptions of enzymes, zygotes, and eukaryotes are crystal clear, and warmly complement her outlook."
Gilbert Taylor, Booklist "In this unique book...Goodenough has accomplished what few scientists dare to try: to provide a clear, even reductionist, account of the most modern concepts in science."
San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle "Goodenough's luminous prose evokes images and feelings more commonly associated with poetry than science, and her meditations on meaning are infused with wonder and joy.... For a scientist like myself, Goodenough's elegant narratives provide a refreshing way to encounter familiar material. I was especially impressed with her ability to cut right to the quick, so that within a few short pages the reader is whisked from the big bang to the emergence of our planet and the birth of life on earth."
Scientific American