Cutting through complexity to find a solution runs through four predictable stages: determine a goal, find the highest-leverage approach, discover the ideal technology for that approach, and in the meantime, make the smartest application of the technology that you already have - whether it's something sophisticated, like a drug, or something simpler, like a bednet.

There is no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil.

I can understand wanting to have millions of dollars; there's a certain freedom, meaningful freedom, that comes with that.

Solutions to all biological problems are greatly advanced by the sequencing work and the new tools that are created.

More and more software would just increase the number of tasks that the computer would help solve.

We need to look at less obvious paths, things like the wind in the jet stream, which is very high up. The material science of what type of kite string you would need to connect up to that. That's still at the basic research level.

Married life is a simpler life. Who I spend my time with is established in advance.