The Road to Wisdom

On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust

By: Francis S. Collins

Narrated by: Francis S. Collins

From “national treasure” Francis Collins (Philip Yancey), the New York Times bestselling author of The Language of God and former director of the National Institutes of Health, comes a deeply thoughtful guidebook to get us beyond societal divisions and back to the sources of wisdom—"the sort that can save us before it is too late” (Jane Goodall).

As the COVID-19 pandemic revealed, we have become not just a hyper-partisan society but also a deeply cynical one, distrustful of traditional sources of knowledge and wisdom. Skepticism about vaccines led to the needless deaths of at least 230,000 Americans. “Do your own research” is now a rallying cry in many online rabbit holes. Yet experts can make mistakes, and institutions can lose their moral compass. So how can we navigate through all this?

In The Road to Wisdom, Francis Collins reminds us of the four core sources of judgement and clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust. Drawing on his work from the Human Genome Project and heading the National Institutes of Health, as well as on ethics, philosophy, and Christian theology, Collins makes a robust, thoughtful case for each of these sources—their reliability, and their limits. Ultimately, he shows how they work together, not separately—and certainly not in conflict. It is only when we relink these four foundations of wisdom that we can begin to discern the best path forward in life.

​Thoughtful, accessible, winsome, and deeply wise, The Road to Wisdom leads us beyond current animosities to surer footing. Here is the moral, philosophical, and scientific framework with which to address the problems of our time—including distrust of public health, partisanship, racism, response to climate change, and threats to our democracy—but also to guide us in our daily lives. This is a book that will repay many readings, and resolve dilemmas that we all face every day.

Critic reviews

“Through his leadership of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis Collins revealed the simple truth that we are all far more alike than we are different. Now, in his thoughtful book The Road to Wisdom, he urges us to have the courage and humility to bridge our divides, embrace what we have in common, and rebuild a fractured society. When Dr. Collins speaks, I listen—and his message is more important now than ever.”
—President Bill Clinton

“In The Road to Wisdom, Francis Collins—a distinguished scientist as well as a former atheist who found meaning in the Christian faith—draws on his own deep, diverse experiences as he leads us through a maze of conflicting beliefs and opinions in search of wisdom: the sort that can save us before it is too late. This book should be read by anyone, Christian and non-Christian alike, who is seeking meaning or trying to make sense of our troubled times.”—Jane Goodall

"Francis Collins offers us a path back to wisdom with this inspirational and unflinching look at his life as a research scientist, a man of faith, and a servant-leader who oversaw the work of our nation’s medical research agency through turbulent times. In the final pages of The Road to Wisdom, he urges us to sign a pledge, committing to seek truth, build trust, and practice generosity. I hope that many, many readers will join me in doing so.”—Yo-Yo Ma

"Dr. Francis Collins is a national treasure, acclaimed not only for his scientific achievements but for his example as a bridge person in a polarized time. He has served under every U.S. president of this century, in the process winning the respect of some of his fiercest critics. Amid the shrillness of our era, Dr. Collins offers a calming voice of hope, as well as practical suggestions on how to heal the nation’s wounds."—Philip Yancey, author of What’s So Amazing About Grace

“Working with Francis Collins as he led the National Institutes of Health under three very different presidents, I saw firsthand his ability to find common ground and common goals. As timely as it is compelling, The Road to Wisdom is an encapsulation of those gifts, based on the reinforcing values of truth, science, faith, and trust.”—Senator Roy Blunt

"Drawing on decades of public service, Francis Collins blends science, faith, and philosophy in The Road to Wisdom. Full of insights to help readers navigate today's complex world and grapple with critical issues including public health, partisanship, and climate change, this book is essential reading for anyone seeking clarity and direction."—Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Laureate, and co-author of A Crack in Creation

Depth of understanding of science and religion/faih

Every chapter offered clarity of its announced topic and expanded further by designing / suggesting ways for the reader to participate , engage with the subjects

Colbert bump, Listen with open heart and mind

I'm not a Christian but I saw the author on Stephen Colbert and thought I would give this book a chance. I'm so glad I did. The narration is relaxed and calming The text is thought provoking. I feel wiser for the listening.

Witnessing probity

That someone in this position can maintain a moral compass and remain committed to personal integrity.

Must Read!!!

Thank you Francis Collins for your profound wisdom and for calling us all to go higher up and deeper in!! May God have mercy on us as we navigate how to live in peace in this troubled world!

Please Read This Book!

In a world where divisive & polarizing voices often carry the day, Collins’ heartfelt work is a beacon of light. Reading this, I can tell this was a labor of love from a brilliant scientist wanting to do his part to once again (as he did in his previous book) build bridges and help move us into a brighter future. In short, read the book. Read it as many times as it takes.

Great book

a great insight into the discovery of DNA and God. well written and very interesting

Authenticity

Great insightful information that loaned much to determining appropriate perspective. Easy to listen to

Francis Collins always humble

Francis Collins has really helped bolster my faith during tumultuous times in which it felt like my nursing mind and Christian mind couldn’t coexist. I always appreciate his tone of humility and am extremely grateful for the advancements he had made in the medical community.

Thorough

The author leads on a journey of his thought process and gives good illustrations to illustrate his point.

Objective Truth is uncomfortable.

Collins' commitment to objective truth gets him in hot water with the left and the right. Where most of us cower or bluster; he listens, informs, reflects, and challenges is to escape our bubbles.