Just finished @jonathanwatts ' The Many Lives of James Lovelock, an arresting, impressive, and thought-provoking biography of one of the greatest scientists of our time. It captures his genius, complexities, and contradictions in a way that is both joyful and critical. I first learned about Gaia and James Lovelock at a young age through Resurgence and The Ecologist, alongside the work of Lynn Margulis. In Thailand’s alternative thinker circles, Jim seemed like a mysterious prophet—a visionary whose ideas often felt apocalyptic, leaving us feeling helpless about the future. This biography reveals Lovelock’s life was far from perfect. A brilliant mind, but he faced challenges in family, education, and professional life. He struggled to stay independent while navigating ties to Shell and petrochemical interests. Though he understood fossil fuels’ impact on climate change, he often stayed silent—a decision he later regretted. Gaia itself evolved with Lovelock. Once seen as a self-regulating system impervious to harm, it later became a fragile entity needing protection. Gaia, like Lovelock himself, is political, dynamic, and ever-changing. The book also brought new insights into figures I admire, like Barry Commoner. Commoner’s sharp critique—that Lovelock was a tool of industry—left a deep wound. I hope to explore Commoner’s life more; I once commissioned a tribute to him when he passed a decade ago. What struck me most is how Gaia wasn’t just Lovelock’s work. Many, especially women like Dian Hitchcock and Lynn Margulis, shaped its direction. Their contributions deserve more recognition. In the final chapters, even at 100, Lovelock’s originality shines. He envisioned parallels between Gaia systems and animal matriarchies—ideas I wish he had explored further. This biography is remarkable. Engrossing, enlightening, and completed in just two days. Hail to James Lovelock, one of the most extraordinary scientists of our time.

@mrillig @jonathanwatts