The Tangled Tree with David Quammen

In this interview, I speak with David Quammen about his newest book The Tangled Tree. David lives a fascinating life travelling the world as a journalist and author – his interests lay in the fields of science, history and evolution.

In The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life David uncovers how molecular biology and how it can change our understanding of evolution and life’s history. The crux of this discussion is Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) – the movement of genes across species lines. It challenges Darwinism and the traditional view that genes are passed along via heredity and instead can move sideways through viral infection.

At times it’s all a little over my head but certainly taught me a thing or two about molecular science and sure did get me thinking. I hope you enjoy my conversation with David Quammen.

Guest Bio

DAVID QUAMMEN is an author and journalist who lives in Montana and travels widely for research, usually to jungles and mountains and swamps. His newest book, The Tangled Tree, describes a radically new view of life’s history on Earth, arisen in recent decades from the work and the influence of a man named Carl R. Woese.

Quammen has written for Harper’s, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, The New York Times Book Review, Outside, and Powder, among other magazines, and is a Contributing Writer for National Geographic.   He shares a home in Bozeman, Montana, with his wife, Betsy Gaines Quammen, an environmental historian, a continuing parade of orphan dogs and cats, and a ball python named Boots.

Topics of discussion 

• Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)
• Understand the tree of life.
• DNA, RNA and the 3 cellular life forms – bacteria, Archaea & Eukaryote.

Quick round questions

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

David’s Writting Routine.

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

Don’t give up.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Outward success of book selling allows him to write more books taht entertain and changes the way they view the world.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Access to an digital online library.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

A good honest bbq chicken breast and martini.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Spending time with my wife and my animals.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Absalom, Absalom! The Corrected Text by William Faulkner

The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life by David Quammen

The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinction by David Quammen

The Reluctant Mr. Darwin: An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution (Great Discoveries) by David Quammen

Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic by David Quammen

Yellowstone: A Journey Through America’s Wild Heart by David Quammen

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“People we’ve got to save bilological diversity.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes, in a sense. There is a goal and a purpose. A goal is something you find and a purpose is something that finds you.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Finding what you really want to do and doing it.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

To create literary art and to be a good guy.

How to connect with David

Please check out all David’s work and connect with him online here. 

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.