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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Why Fish Don't Exist summary
Lulu Miller
Brief summary
Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller is a captivating blend of biography and memoir that explores the life of scientist David Starr Jordan. It delves into the nature of truth and the chaos of the natural world.
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Why Fish Don't Exist
Summary of key ideas
The Man With A Vision
In Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller, we are introduced to David Starr Jordan, a taxonomist who, in the late 1800s, was on a mission to categorize every known fish species. A man of unwavering determination, Jordan believed in an ordered universe, one that could be neatly divided and labeled. His work led to the discovery of thousands of new species of fish, and he was named the founding president of Stanford University, where he built a vast collection of fish specimens that was considered the most complete in the world.
However, Jordan's life was marked by a series of catastrophic events. The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco destroyed his collection, leaving him to start from scratch. Yet, Jordan remained undeterred, believing that the chaos of the world could be conquered by the order he sought to impose.
The Theory of Order
Miller then delves deeper into Jordan's life, exploring his theory of eugenics, a belief in the selective breeding of humans to create a superior race. This theory, rooted in the same desire for order that drove his work in taxonomy, led Jordan to support policies of forced sterilization and racial segregation. This dark side of Jordan's character is juxtaposed with his unwavering commitment to his scientific work, creating a complex and enigmatic figure.
As the narrative unfolds, we learn that Jordan's obsession with order extended beyond his professional and ideological pursuits. In his personal life, he maintained a meticulously organized collection of women's names, categorizing them as either 'angels' or 'devils' based on his perception of their moral character. This revelation adds another layer to Jordan's character, painting him as a man consumed by his need for control.
Embracing Chaos
Despite his relentless pursuit of order, Jordan's life was marked by constant upheaval. His second marriage ended in a scandalous divorce, and his reputation was tarnished by accusations of academic fraud. These events, coupled with the loss of his beloved fish collection, could have broken a lesser man. But Jordan, ever the optimist, remained resolute in his belief that order could be imposed upon the chaos.
It is not until the latter part of the book that Miller reveals her own personal struggles, drawing a parallel between her experiences and Jordan's. She describes how she, like Jordan, clung to the idea of a neat and orderly world, only to have her beliefs shattered by a series of life-altering events. It is through this lens that she begins to reevaluate Jordan's philosophy, questioning whether the pursuit of order is a futile endeavor in a world that is inherently chaotic.
Accepting the Unknowable
In the final chapters of Why Fish Don't Exist, Miller takes us on a journey of self-discovery, one that mirrors Jordan's own reckoning with chaos. She comes to realize that, much like the fish in Jordan's collection, life cannot be neatly categorized and labeled. Instead, it is its very unpredictability that makes it beautiful and worth living.
In conclusion, Why Fish Don't Exist is a thought-provoking exploration of the human desire for order in a chaotic world. Through the lens of David Starr Jordan's life, Lulu Miller challenges us to embrace the randomness of life, to accept that some things cannot be neatly categorized, and to find beauty in the unknown.
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What is Why Fish Don't Exist about?
Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller is a captivating blend of memoir, biography, and scientific exploration. It tells the story of David Starr Jordan, a pioneering ichthyologist, and the author's own journey of self-discovery. Through Jordan's life and work, the book challenges our beliefs about order and chaos, and ultimately asks us to reconsider our understanding of the world.
Why Fish Don't Exist Review
Why Fish Don't Exist (2020) explores the compelling journey of Lulu Miller as she unravels the life of scientist David Starr Jordan. Here's why this book is a thought-provoking experience:
- Unveiling a captivating mix of biography, science, and philosophy, it challenges conventional notions of order and chaos in the world.
- The book navigates a tale of obsession, loss, and understanding, drawing readers into a mysterious and intricate narrative.
- By delving into the complexities of existence and identity, it offers a refreshing perspective on life's uncertainties that keeps readers intrigued till the very end.
Who should read Why Fish Don't Exist?
Readers who enjoy thought-provoking non-fiction
Those interested in the history of science and the philosophy of taxonomy
People who appreciate personal narratives intertwined with scientific exploration
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Book summaries like Why Fish Don't Exist
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Why Fish Don't Exist FAQs
What is the main message of Why Fish Don't Exist?
Embracing chaos and finding meaning in loss and uncertainty.
How long does it take to read Why Fish Don't Exist?
Reading time varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Why Fish Don't Exist a good book? Is it worth reading?
Why Fish Don't Exist inspires reflection on life's complexities and the beauty of resilience.
Who is the author of Why Fish Don't Exist?
The author of Why Fish Don't Exist is Lulu Miller.
What to read after Why Fish Don't Exist?
If you're wondering what to read next after Why Fish Don't Exist, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
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