Massimo Pigliucci
Massimo Pigliucci
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Massimo Pigliucci is a philosopher, science writer, and professor whose full name is Massimo Francesco Antonio Pigliucci.
Birth and Death Dates
Not applicable. As of my knowledge cutoff, Massimo Pigliucci is alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Italian-American philosopher, science writer, and Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York (CCNY) of The City University of New York (CUNY).
Early Life and Background
Born on December 18, 1964, in Rome, Italy, Massimo Pigliucci grew up in a family that valued education. His father was an engineer, and his mother was a teacher. Pigliucci's interest in philosophy began at an early age, influenced by the works of Aristotle and other classical philosophers.
Pigliucci moved to the United States with his family at the age of 14. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and later completed his Master's and Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Maryland.
Major Accomplishments
Pigliucci's academic career is marked by several significant accomplishments:
He was a postdoctoral researcher at the New York Botanical Garden and the University of Chicago.
Pigliucci served as an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook before joining CCNY.
His research focuses on the intersection of philosophy, science, and society.Notable Works or Actions
Massimo Pigliucci is a prolific writer and has authored several books:
"Philosophy of Biology: A Contemporary Introduction" (2010)
"Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk" (2012)
"How to Be an Imperfectionist" (2017)
Pigliucci is also a popular blogger and has written for various publications, including The Huffington Post and Aeon.
Impact and Legacy
Massimo Pigliucci's work bridges the gap between philosophy and science, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. His commitment to critical thinking and intellectual honesty has influenced many people worldwide.
Pigliucci is widely quoted due to his ability to explain complex philosophical concepts in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. His writings often challenge common misconceptions and promote a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Massimo Pigliucci's unique blend of scientific expertise, philosophical insight, and writing talent has made him a respected figure in both academic and popular circles. His commitment to critical thinking, intellectual honesty, and accessibility has earned him a significant following worldwide.
Quotes by Massimo Pigliucci
Massimo Pigliucci's insights on:
Confucius was once asked if there is “one teaching that can serve as a guide for one’s entire life.” He said that all you really need to know is the word reciprocity: “Do not impose upon others what you yourself do not desire.
Shift your goals from the external to the internal: repeat to yourself that your objective is not to hit the target, but to deliver the best shot of which you are capable.
The fact that our qualities are relational has ethical implications. Since there is no “me” that is completely independent of my relationships, I live well to the extent that I do a good job at my relationships.
For every expert there is an equal and opposite expert; but for every fact there is not necessarily an equal and opposite fact. – Thomas Sowell, American economist.
The thought is that Hitler is an unfortunate node in the way the world is unfolding. He did not choose to be the evil person he is. He deserves compassion, not anger. And he must die for reasons of compassion: compassion for him and all those who might suffer his awfulness.
The problem nowadays is that, by and large, we do a pretty bad job of picking role models. We glorify actors, singers, athletes, and generic “celebrities,” only to be disappointed when – predictably – it turns out that their excellence at reciting, singing, playing basketball, or racking up Facebook likes and Twitter followers has pretty much nothing to do with their moral fiber.
We are not becoming more educated; we are simply acquiring more knowledge. There is a fundamental difference between the two.
Epicureans, from the beginning, rejected idealisms and absolutes that divorced people from context and from nature, and chose to engage reality instead. Our morality is contextual. Rather than hand down absolute dos and don’ts, the first Epicureans elaborated methods by which we can most effectively use our faculties.
Touch everything lightly, enjoy it while it is within your reach, and do not regret it when it is gone, since that is the nature of things.