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Schrödinger's What Is Life? at 75
1Division of Biology and Biological Engineering and Department of Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA.
Cell Systems
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Erwin Schrödinger's "What Is Life?" remains a vital manifesto, not just a historical text. Its insights into physics and biology offer timeless approaches to understanding life and inspire 21st-century scientific challenges.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Erwin Schrödinger's 1944 book "What Is Life?" is a seminal work.
- The book explores the intersection of physics and biology to understand living organisms.
- It has been recognized as highly influential in the development of molecular biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Schrödinger's arguments on applying physics to biological processes.
- To re-evaluate "What Is Life?" as a timeless manifesto rather than a historical artifact.
- To highlight the book's relevance to contemporary scientific challenges in studying life.
Main Methods:
- Literary review and critical analysis of Schrödinger's "What Is Life?"
- Examination of the book's arguments regarding physics and life.
- Discussion of the book's enduring influence and contemporary applicability.
Main Results:
- Schrödinger's work provides enduring perspectives on the physics of life.
- The book's influence extends beyond its historical impact on molecular biology founders.
- Its core ideas remain relevant for addressing current unanswered questions in life sciences.
Conclusions:
- "What Is Life?" serves as a timeless call to action for 21st-century science.
- Schrödinger's insights offer a framework for understanding life through physical principles.
- The book's legacy lies in its continued ability to inspire new research directions.
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