Rediscovering the Great Thinkers of Our Time: JD Bernal and David Bohm

Billy Joel, the legendary musician and songwriter, recently shared an enlightening moment during an interview on 60 Minutes where something he said profoundly impacted his perspective on life. While the exact words might have slipped his memory, his insight was a reminder of the transformative power of scientific and intellectual thinking. This led me to explore two lesser-known, yet profoundly influential thinkers from the mid-20th century: John Desmond Bernal and David Bohm. Both were visionaries in their domains but faced criticism for their political leanings, which often overshadowed the groundbreaking contributions they made to science, philosophy, and beyond.

John Desmond Bernal: Pioneer in the Sciences

John Desmond Bernal, a professor of physics at Birkbeck College, London, during the 1960s, was a true multidisciplinary genius. He not only made significant contributions to protein crystallography, which eventually led to numerous Nobel Prizes being awarded to his students, but also held profound insights into the nature of matter and society. His work in protein crystallography was part of the foundation for molecular biology, an immensely important field in modern biology.

A Holistic Vision

Bernal was not just a scientist but also a philosopher of science and a social activist. His holistic approach to understanding the world was seen as innovative during his time. He wrote about the interconnections between science, society, and human values, often advocating for the application of scientific knowledge to improve human conditions. His The Social Function of Science (1939) was seminal in explaining the importance of scientific thinking in societal and political discussions.

David Bohm: Quantum Revolution and Beyond

David Bohm, another visionary, was a professor of physics at the same institution. He is renowned for his work in quantum theory, neuropsychology, and the philosophy of mind. Bohm's ideas were often seen as innovative and unorthodox, pushing the boundaries of conventional understanding in these fields.

Bohm's most famous work, A Suggested Interpretation of the Quantum Theory in Terms of 'Hidden' Variables (1952), tackled the paradoxes of quantum mechanics in a unique way. He introduced the concept of the "implicate order," a framework to explain how the universe might be structured on a deeper, more interconnected level than the microscale observations typically reveal. His ideas have influenced not only quantum physicists but also those working in neurosciences, who find his holistic approach to understanding the brain highly valuable.

The Irony of Political Leanings

Both Bernal and Bohm faced criticism for their political leanings. Bernal was a Marxist, which led to critiques from those who saw his ideas and work through a Cold War lens. Similarly, Bohm was known for his political activism, although less overtly Marxist than Bernal. These critiques often overshadowed the genuine scientific and philosophical contributions they made. However, their willingness to challenge established paradigms and embrace radical ideas makes them stand out as truly visionary thinkers.

Reflections on Life and Society

Bernal once noted that when faced with life's uncertainties, we must embrace a multidisciplinary approach. Both Bernal and Bohm demonstrated this through their work, bridging scientific, philosophical, and societal concerns. Their insights into the nature of reality and the human condition are just as relevant today as they were in the 1960s. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the kind of holistic thinking championed by these thinkers is more necessary than ever.

Conclusion

While Billy Joel's words might have changed his perception of life, they also serve as a reminder of the transformative potential of scientific and intellectual thought. We must celebrate the work of Bernal and Bohm, not just for their groundbreaking contributions to science, but also for their vision that extends far beyond the walls of academia into the heart of human experience.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the underappreciated thinkers of our time. How do you think their work can inform our understanding of the world today?