Link: https://www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/james-watson-remembrance-from-dna-pioneer-to-pariah/
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
He co-discovered DNA’s structure but later engaged in rank racism and sexism
By Sharon Begley Nov. 7, 2025
STAT senior science writer Sharon Begley wrote this remembrance of James Watson before she herself died in 2021.
Huh. On top of all that he took credit for discovering the double helix of DNA when Franklin’s student showed him the work done by Franklin’s group without permission.
This is the sort of spite that manifests greatness. A stellar clapback I’d have expected to hear in the temples of old when a priest takes the verbal lash to a king who was hated by his subjects. Quite the professional takedown. Well executed!
A diss from beyond the grave, this is some top notch stuff.
This guy sounds like he was quite a piece of work. Also, unfortunately, a real racist piece of work. Its pride, hubris. Everyone is susceptible to sin as such, even the smartest folks, sometimes especially the smarter folk. To be Prideful is selfish. Pride says “i am the best and need to answer to no one”. Also in a group, selfishness is a negative trait that won’t benefit a group, and can potentially harm said group.
So many “traditionally” smart folks are just assholes…
