"The SECRET To Success All Starts With This ONE TRAIT!" | Walter Isaacson & Jay Shetty | Summary and Q&A

Transcript

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Summary

In this video, Jay Shetty interviews Walter Isaacson, the author of "The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race". They discuss the field of gene editing, specifically focusing on the work of Jennifer Doudna and the revolutionary technology known as CRISPR. Isaacson shares insights into Doudna's life and work, as well as the ethical implications and potential benefits of gene editing. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and the pursuit of truth in scientific research.

Questions & Answers

Q: When did you fall in love with the sport of basketball? Who is your favorite basketball player of all time?

Walter Isaacson became interested in basketball at a young age and he supports the New Orleans Pelicans. His favorite player of all time is Bill Bradley, primarily because of a book written about him and his sense of place.

Q: How did Walter Isaacson develop an interest in writing about geniuses, icons, and innovators?

Growing up in Louisiana, Isaacson was encouraged by a mentor to become a storyteller. He found a fascination with the creative process and wanted to understand what makes creative people innovative. He believes in presenting their stories as journeys of discovery, rather than providing mere lessons or secrets to creativity.

Q: How did Walter Isaacson approach writing about individuals he did not have personal interactions with?

Isaacson acknowledges the challenge of writing about individuals he never met. In these cases, he extensively researches their lives through letters, notebooks, and other documents. While it is difficult to fully capture their essence without personal interactions, he strives to stay objective and present the facts as accurately as possible.

Q: What are some of the softer aspects of Jennifer Doudna's life and work that Walter Isaacson learned about during his research?

Isaacson highlights Jennifer Doudna's belief that creativity is a collaborative effort and innovation is a team sport. Unlike some leaders who thrive on creative tension within teams, Doudna prioritizes creating a friendly environment where her team members genuinely like each other. Isaacson points out that different methods of team building work for different individuals, and one should lead with their own strengths when cultivating a collaborative environment.

Q: What is CRISPR and how does it work?

CRISPR is a simple system that bacteria have been using for billions of years as a defense against viruses. When bacteria are attacked by viruses, they capture snippets of the attacking virus's genetic code and store it in their own genetic sequence known as CRISPR. They use a guide RNA to direct an enzyme to chop up the DNA of the attacking virus. Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues discovered that they could reprogram this system to edit human DNA, leading to the development of gene editing technologies.

Q: How has CRISPR been used during the pandemic?

CRISPR has been used to cure genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia. In some cases, it has been used to make inheritable edits to prevent diseases from being passed down to future generations. Recently, CRISPR has also been utilized for detection technologies, including at-home testing kits for genetic sequences such as COVID-19.

Q: What are the pros and cons of gene editing and CRISPR according to Jennifer Doudna?

Jennifer Doudna acknowledges the potential benefits of gene editing, such as curing genetic diseases and making individuals less susceptible to viruses. However, she is concerned about the ethical implications of inheritable edits, particularly in terms of safety and equity. She believes it is essential to keep an open mind and constantly reassess the use of gene editing technologies based on evolving scientific knowledge and societal values.

Q: What are some challenges Jennifer Doudna currently faces in her work?

Jennifer Doudna is currently focused on developing at-home testing kits using CRISPR technology, specifically the CRISPR Cast 13. While they have made significant progress, there are still challenges in delivering the technology effectively into affected cells. Additionally, ongoing patent battles for the use of CRISPR present obstacles in the field.

Q: How does Walter Isaacson maintain objectivity when writing biographies and profiling individuals?

Walter Isaacson aims to keep his opinions out of his writing as much as possible. He believes in seeking the truth through extensive research and multiple perspectives. While objectivity is challenging to achieve fully, he strives to remain open-minded, listen to all sides, and revise his theories based on new evidence.

Q: What is Walter Isaacson's approach to asking questions during interviews and research?

Isaacson's approach is to ask short and simple questions. He often delves into the motivations behind people's actions and peels back the layers of their thinking. He emphasizes the importance of genuine curiosity and actively listening to the responses.

Q: What advice does Walter Isaacson give for cultivating curiosity and being present in conversations?

Isaacson believes that curiosity is a skill available to everyone. He encourages individuals to nurture their natural curiosity and maintain wonderment in their daily lives. He suggests asking simple questions out of genuine curiosity to understand others better and to remain engaged in meaningful conversations.

Takeaways

Walter Isaacson's book, "The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race," delves into the field of gene editing and the revolutionary technology of CRISPR. Isaacson notes the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and the pursuit of truth in scientific research. He discusses Jennifer Doudna's approach to team building and emphasizes the value of simplicity in asking questions and actively listening. The book raises ethical considerations surrounding gene editing and encourages readers to remain open-minded and continually evaluate the use of such technologies.