Topic: What Darwin didTime and place: 5.00-7.00pm, Saturday, May 25, 2013, at Silverfish Books, 28-1, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03- 228448 37
Who's Jothi?
A quick visit to the website, Jothi's World, will indicate a man inordinately curious about all manner of things, and has been trying to understand the way the world works, in all its myriad facets, works, as well as to convey his understanding of this to all and sundry for most of his life. Originally trained as a scientist, he has explored the world of knowledge widely, and has tertiary-level academic qualifications in a variety of different fields, ranging from the hard sciences, through the social and behavioural sciences, to the humanities. He's studied, lived, and worked in several countries, and as a result speaks several languages.
As a college professor, he has taught a range of subjects (from mathematics & the hard sciences, through the soft sciences, to the humanities). He has worked (in no particular order) as a professional photographer, a DJ, a bartender, a research scientist, a wildlife biologist, a clinical psychotherapist, a theatre lighting-designer, and a musician. In addition, he part-owns a chain of bars and restaurants, and manages a variety of industrial investments. He has serious professional and personal interests in physics, chemistry, biology, palaeontology, geology (especially tectonics & vulcanism), evolutionary theory, ecology & conservation, astronomy, cosmology, particle physics, string theory, number theory, bio-mechanics, engineering & technology, neuropsychology, cognition, critical & scientific thinking, the sociology, history & philosophy of science, history, political theory, political-economics and literature. He enjoys extreme sports, and flies, sails, and rides both motor-cycles as well as horses, camels & elephants.
All things told, Jothi Ratnam is an incredible person, a wonderful gentle human and Malaysian. We have chosen What Darwin did as first his public talk at Silverfish Books. (We certainly hope to have more, if he's willing.)
Darwin wrote: ‘From my early youth I have had the strongest desire to understand and explain whatever I observed - that is to group all facts under some general laws ...’ One Hundred and fifty years after the Voyage of the Beagle we're still reeling from its aftershocks. Let's here what Jothi has to say.
When Silverfish Books was established in 1999, a keystone of our vision was to raise the level of intellectual debate in the country. The talk by Terrence Gomez on April 22 the first in a series of monthly events we hope to organise for people who are curious, who want to know a little more. Jothi Ratnam is our second speaker.
We have organised many author events at Silverfish Books. This present endeavour will be a series of talks by people who read widely, and who know stuff. Topics could cover literature, art, philosophy, political theory (not political), history, science, economic theory -- generally anything that contributes to knowledge and points the lay public in the right direction. Suggestions for speakers and topics are welcomed.
You may wish to bring a bottle of red (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, whatever) to share with your friends. Water (both mineral and sugared) will be on the house. We will organise tea, as well. (Would anyone likes to volunteer cookies?)
Update on Children's Book Week, 11-18 May 2013 at Silverfish Books,
28-1 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-228 448
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