Co-Discoverer of DNA's Structure James Watson Dies at 97

Published 6 hours ago

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Above: James Watson at his Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory office in New York on June 10, 2015. Image copyright: J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Watson's brilliant scientific mind was overshadowed by his descent into profound indecency through decades of racist, sexist and eugenic statements. His legacy remains forever tainted by his refusal to recant harmful views linking race to intelligence and his dismissive treatment of women in science. The scientific community rightfully stripped him of honors and made his name radioactive for good reason.

Time

Narrative B

Watson displayed unbreakable moral courage by refusing to bend to mob pressure and speaking scientific truth regardless of consequences. His heroic stance on biological human differences made him a modern Galileo, persecuted by Pharisees for challenging sacred orthodoxies. Young scientists will be inspired for centuries by his example of intellect matched with the bravery to pursue truth.

John Carter on X