The Shape of Wonder

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

ALAN LIGHTMAN, PhD physicist, is the author of seven novels, including the international best seller Einstein’s Dreams and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award. He has taught at Harvard and at MIT, and is the host of the public television series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science. He is a professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT.

MARTIN REES is the UK’s Astronomer Royal. He is based at Cambridge University where he is a Fellow (and Former Master) of Trinity College. He is a member of the House of Lords, a former President of the Royal Society, and co-founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risks at Cambridge University (CSER). His research interests include space exploration, black holes, galaxy formation, the multiverse and prospects for extraterrestrial life. He has written ten books, most recently On the Future: Prospects for Humanity.