Alan Weisman: It Started With Birds | Big Think

TL;DR

Alan Wiseman, author and journalist, shares his journey from a fascination with nature to becoming a successful writer.

Transcript

my name is alan wiseman i'm the author of the world without us i'm a journalist i've written for many major magazines for public radio and several i've written several other books i was born in minneapolis i grew up outside of town on the edge of what today is elegantly termed a wetland back then we called it the swamp and i spent much of my boyhoo... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Childhood experiences have a significant impact on career interests and passions.
• 🧑‍🏫 Influential teachers can shape and guide career choices.
• 🥺 College can be a time of uncertainty, leading individuals to explore different paths before finding their true calling.
• 🥺 Writing skills can be transferable across various professions, leading to unexpected career choices.
• 👻 Journalism allows individuals to delve into different fields and share diverse perspectives.
• 🖐️ A supportive English teacher can play a crucial role in a student's academic and career trajectory.
• ❓ Personal interests and passions should be considered when choosing a career path.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Alan Wiseman's childhood influence his career interests?

As a child surrounded by the beauty of a woodland marshland, Wiseman developed a deep fascination for animals and birds, fueling his ambitions to become a naturalist or scientist.

Q: What caused the shift in Alan Wiseman's career aspirations in eighth grade?

Wiseman's science teacher's dislike for him and the English teacher's approval led him to question his path, ultimately gravitating towards a career that involved his love for literature and writing.

Q: Why did Alan Wiseman initially apply to law school?

Feeling lost in his senior year of college, Wiseman succumbed to societal expectations and applied to law school, influenced by the fame radical lawyers were receiving during the Vietnam War.

Q: How did Alan Wiseman discover his true calling as a journalist?

While studying law, Wiseman realized his talent for legal writing and acknowledged that words were his future. This revelation led him to pursue journalism, where he could explore a variety of subjects and share them with others.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Alan Wiseman grew up immersed in the wonders of nature, sparking his passion for wildlife and birds.

• Initially inclined towards becoming a naturalist or scientist, Wiseman's career path shifted after experiencing contrasting influences from his science and English teachers.

• A college panic led him to apply to law school, but his love for words led him to journalism, where he found his true calling.