Scene of Change: A Lifetime in American Science

Warren Weaver’s “Science and complexity” Revisited

“…The first reaction was almost universally negative." ( [36], p. 107) However, already in his memorandum Weaver also wrote that "The idea has, however, been seriously considered elsewhere. The first instance known to W. W. [Warren Weaver], subsequent to his own notion about it, was described in a memorandum dated February 12, 1948, written by Dr. Andrew D. Booth who, in Professor J. D. Bernal's department in Birbeck College, University of London, had been active in computer design and construction.…”

“…Not only did I then for the first time meet a really poetic branch of mathematics, all alive with excitement and power and logical beauty -I had the great good fortune to have a truly great teacher." [36] 12 In an unpublished interview that Zadeh gave me in 1999 he said "I was always interested in mathematics, even when I was in Iran, in Teheran, but I was not sufficiently interested to become a pure mathematician. In other words, I never felt that I should pursuit pure mathematics or even applied mathematics.…”

“…3.3. Left: Frontpage of Weaver's autobiography "Scene of Change [36]; right: Frontpage of the collections of radio talks The Scientists Speak [31].…”

“…(quoted by [16], p. 503) Retrospective, in his Autobiography "Scene of Change" that was published in 1970, Weaver wrote: "My conviction that physics and chemistry were ripe for a fruitful union with biology, necessarily somewhat tentative and amateurish when I first accepted the post as a director of the Rockefeller Foundation, steadily became more firm and more enthusiastic as my European visits brought me into contact with scientists after scientists who expressed a desire to participate in our program." [36] He improved his skills in genetics, cellular physiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and he learned techniques to analyze molecular structures. His division finanzed research in life sciences that became very well-known in the later years.…”

A Re-appreciation of Charlie Hitch and his Contributions to Economics, Security, and the Management of Organizations

“…In doing so, Hitch reminds us of a few other men of his generation who were remarkable not just because of their scientific talent and intellectual capabilities and contributions, but their willingness to give up advancing their own agendas and perspectives for the 'greater good' of an institution, a broader intellectual movement, or society (Augier and March 2011;chapter 11). There also was a greater sense of urgency and an inclination for academics to be more 'altruistic' in their work and willing and eager to help understand problems through many lenses (Weaver 1970). Moreover, his leadership style seems to embody aspects of what a former Marine Commandant and General calls 'we-leadership'; real leaders of organizations and of people put their people and their organizations ahead of themselves (Gray and Otte 2005).…”