Venki Ramakrishnan at Harvard University

Harvard Book Store, the Harvard University Division of Science, and the Harvard Library welcome VENKI RAMAKRISHNAN—winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, former president of the Royal Society, and author of Gene Machine—for a discussion of his new book Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality. He will be joined in conversation by ANTONIO REGALADO—award-winning reporter for the MIT Technology Review. Following the presentation in Jefferson Lab 250, there will be a reception and book signing in the Physics Library in Jefferson 450.

Ticketing

There are two ticket options available for this event.

Free General Admission Ticket: Includes admission for one.

Book-Included Ticket: Includes admission for one and one hardcover copy of Why We Die.

About Why We Die

The knowledge of death is so terrifying that we live most of our lives in denial of it. Throughout human history—from the immortal afterlife of Judeo-Christian thought to the cycle of reincarnation posited by many Eastern religions—we have developed beliefs that allow us to avoid recognizing its finality. One of the most difficult moments of childhood must be when each of us first realizes that not only we but all our loved ones will die—and there is nothing we can do about it.

Or at least, there hasn’t been. Today, we are living through a revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in understanding why we age—and why some species live longer than others. Could we eventually cheat disease and death and live for a very long time, possibly many times our current lifespan?

Venki Ramakrishnan, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and former president of the Royal Society, takes us on a riveting journey to the frontiers of biology, asking whether we must be mortal. Covering the recent breakthroughs in scientific research, he examines the cutting edge of efforts to extend lifespan by altering our genetic makeup. But might death serve a necessary biological purpose? What are the social and ethical costs of attempting to live forever?

Why We Die is a narrative of uncommon insight and beauty from one of our leading public intellectuals.

Host or Publisher Harvard Book Store