Summary

Scott Turner is Professor of Biology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) in Syracuse, New York. His principal research focus is the emergence of superorganismal structure and function in the mound building termites of southern Africa, but this is motivated by a larger interest in the interface between physiology, evolution, and design. He is the author of two acclaimed books: The Extended Organism. The Physiology of Animal-Built Structures (2000) and The Tinkerer’s Accomplice. How Design Emerges from Life Itself (2007), both published by Harvard University Press.

He has a new book, Purpose and Desire, that is to be published in September 2017. That is the focus of conversation for this interview. A great conversation that challenges the materialistic and mechanistic biases as to what life is. Suggesting that homeostasis has a larger role to play in the purpose and desire of all life than just algorithms of biological and physiological processes.

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Conversation Topics

• Purpose, intentionality, and desire universal to all life.
• Homeostasis worldview as it relates to life compared to the mechanistic view.
• What is homeostasis? How it relates to the biology and physiology of life.
• Why there may be more to the constructionist view that humans and all life have more substance than just algorithms and patterns. Perhaps there is “Free Will.”
• Scott’s view that cognition is universal and why.
• The underlying universal purpose of the life of persistence.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Work a lot but fortunate to be able to do mostly what he loves in life.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Call my mum more. Know that your family includes your friends and they are all important the quality of life you live.

What is the meaning of success?

It’s more than just money.

Favourite Food

Spicy foods.

Favourite Leisure Activity

Music.

Favourite Book

My Traitor’s Heart: A South African Exile Returns to Face His Country, His Tribe, and His Conscience by Rian Malan

Flashman: A Novel by George MacDonald Fraser

Purpose and Desire: What Makes Something “Alive” and Why Modern Darwinism Has Failed to Explain It by J. Scott Turner

The Tinkerer’s Accomplice: How Design Emerges from Life Itself by J. Scott Turner

The Extended Organism: The Physiology of Animal-Built Structures by J. Scott Turner (2000-06-23) by J. Scott Turner

Favourite Quote

“The problem with atheism is not that atheists don’t believe in something is that they don’t believe in anything.”G K Chesterton

Do we all have a why?

Yes. You just have to be worthy. It’s a challenge. It’s not given to us but it is something we can choose to do.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

To be curious about the world and have the freedom to make sense of it. And to seek the truth.

Connect with J. Scott Turner

Personal website J. Scott Turner. 

Purposeanddesire.com

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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