JAMES LOVELOCK

BIRTH AND DEATH

Birth: 7/26/1919     Death: 7/26/2022

OCCUPATION

scientist

BIOGRAPHY SUMMARY

James Ephraim Lovelock was an English independent scientist, environmentalist and futurist. He is best known for proposing the Gaia hypothesis, which postulates that the Earth functions as a self-regulating system.

NOTABLE WORK

Gaia hypothesis

WHY THEY MATTER

James Lovelock was intellectually unique for proposing the Gaia hypothesis, which challenged traditional scientific views by suggesting that the Earth functions as a self-regulating, living organism. This groundbreaking idea revolutionized the way we perceive the interconnectedness of the Earth's systems and inspired further research in environmental science and ecology. Lovelock's interdisciplinary approach as an independent scientist, environmentalist, and futurist allowed him to make significant contributions to the understanding of our planet's complex dynamics.

FAMOUS QUOTE

NeitherLynn Margulisnor I have ever proposed ateleologicalhypothesis. Nowhere in our writing do we express the idea that planetary self-regulation is purposeful, or involves planetary foresight or planning by the biota. … Yet we met persistent, almost dogmatic, criticism that our hypothesis is teleological.Healing Gaia(1991)

WIKIPEDIA PAGE

Wikipedia Page