Lewis Dartnell author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, sous licence CC BY 2.0.

Lewis Dartnell

Né(e): March 21, 1980 – London, England, United Kingdom

Lewis Dartnell is a British astrobiologist, science communicator, and author whose work explores Mars microbiology, human history, and civilization through science. His notable books include The Knowledge, Origins, and Being Human; The Knowledge was a Sunday Times New Thinking Book of the Year and an international bestseller, while Being Human was a Waterstones Book of the Year.

Biographie et Parcours de l'Auteur

Lewis Dartnell is a British astrobiologist, science communicator and author whose career has developed at the intersection of laboratory research, deep history and public explanation. Born in the UK in 1980, he spent part of his childhood abroad, including formative school years in Nairobi, an experience he has linked to an early awareness of how unequal and contingent human lives can be. He was educated at Charterhouse, took a first-class degree in Biological Sciences at Oxford, and completed a PhD in astrobiology at University College London in 2007. Even before finishing doctoral work, he was emerging as a writer: UCL marked the publication of his first book, Life in the Universe, and noted his success in national science-writing prizes. ((https://www.timeshighereducation.com/books/the-knowledge-how-to-rebuild-our-world-from-scratch-by-lewis-dartnell/2012332.article))

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Citations

quote
Imagine that the world as we know it ends tomorrow
-Out of the ashes
quote
And the answer to that question is: maybe – but it would be extremely difficult
-Out of the ashes
quote
It took a lot of energy to develop our technologies to their present heights, and presumably it would take a lot of energy to do it again
-Out of the ashes
quote
It is science that built our modern world, and it is science that you will need to rebuild again
-How to survive the apocalypse
quote
In many ways, humans just don’t work well
-Out of our minds: opium’s part in imperial history
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The fundamental aspects of what it means to be human haven’t changed
-Out of our minds: opium’s part in imperial history
quote
The periodic table is 150 years old, and we need to learn how to protect its more vulnerable constituents
-Elemental: the periodic table at 150
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Zero gravity is totally devastating to the human body in terms of muscle wastage and the demineralisation of the skeleton
-Science Focus: how to build a Moon base
quote
The Mars Sample Return will change all that by making Martian rock available to the most sophisticated analytical laboratories on Earth. That will give us the best possible chance of finding evidence that there was once life on Mars
-NASA’s mission to find signs of past life on Mars

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Secrets of a Strange Earth
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Secrets of a Strange Earth

This plan is designed for curious minds who want to look beyond conventional knowledge to understand the anomalies of our universe and species. It is perfect for lifelong learners and trivia enthusiasts seeking to bridge the gap between science, history, and psychology.

1 h 36 m4 Sections
Nature's Lethal Ambition
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Nature's Lethal Ambition

This plan offers a unique look at how humanity has harnessed nature's toxins for power, war, and status. It is ideal for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and true crime fans interested in the dark evolution of toxicology.

1 h 12 m3 Sections
Ancient Empires and Lost Worlds
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Ancient Empires and Lost Worlds

This plan offers a deep dive into the foundations of human society by blending archaeology with cultural history. It is ideal for history enthusiasts and lifelong learners who want to understand how ancient power dynamics and daily life continue to influence the modern world.

1 h 45 m4 Sections
The Logic of Mutual Knowledge
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

The Logic of Mutual Knowledge

This plan is essential for anyone looking to understand the hidden logical structures that drive collective human behavior and social stability. It is particularly valuable for strategists, sociologists, and leaders who need to navigate complex coordination games and public dynamics.

2 h 15 m4 Sections
Vincent’s Vision: The Man Behind the Stars
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

Vincent’s Vision: The Man Behind the Stars

This plan offers a unique interdisciplinary look at Van Gogh by blending art history with physical science. It is perfect for curious minds who want to understand the emotional depth and technical brilliance behind one of history's most famous painters.

1 h 30 m3 Sections
The Laws of Human Nature
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The Laws of Human Nature

In an era of constant social interaction, understanding the hidden forces that drive human behavior is a vital competitive advantage. This plan is designed for leaders, negotiators, and anyone seeking to improve their interpersonal dynamics and self-mastery.

1 h 30 m3 Sections
The History of Scientific Error
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The History of Scientific Error

This learning plan offers a fascinating look at how humanity's greatest mistakes have shaped our modern understanding of the cosmos and biology. It is ideal for science enthusiasts and history buffs who want to learn how the scientific method refines itself through the correction of major errors.

3 h 30 m3 Sections
The Integrated Human Map
PLAN D'APPRENTISSAGE

The Integrated Human Map

This multidisciplinary framework is essential for thinkers who want to bridge the gap between biological evolution, historical narrative, and physical laws. It is designed for visionaries and problem-solvers looking to build a holistic understanding of how to reboot global systems.

3 h4 Sections

Voix de la Communauté

"Always an interesting and engaging writer, Dartnell finds fascinating nuggets in familiar stories"

The Guardian

"Lewis Dartnell, an astrobiologist and research scientist at the University of Westminster, explains what we might find in the search for life on Mars"

BBC Science Focus Magazine

"This is a topic that astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell researched in depth for his recent book, The Knowledge"

TED Blog

"Lewis Dartnell has a rare talent in being able to see the big picture — and explaining why it matters"

Peter Frankopan

"Lewis Dartnell is a renowned researcher and professor based at the University of Westminster"

The Guardian

"Astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell, who teaches at the University of Westminster, is best known for his writings and lectures on alien life"

Times of India

"Lewis Dartnell's absorbing new book shows how deeply human history is embedded in the history of planet earth"

David Christian

"Astrobiologist Lewis Dartnell’s new book looks at how human history has been nudged, influenced and shaped by the history of the Earth"

KQED

"Professor Lewis Dartnell takes us on an astonishing journey into our planet's past to tell the ultimate origin story"

Sky HISTORY

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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