The Vital Question

by Nick Lane · 2015

Nick Lane's book on energy, evolution, and the origins of complex life.

Recommended by 1 person

Why this author is included

Nick Lane · Biochemist and author

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Who recommends it

1 person has recommended The Vital Question. Each entry links to the source.

Bill GatesCo-founder, Microsoft; philanthropist

Even if the details of Nick's work turn out to be wrong, I suspect his focus on energy will be seen as an important contribution to our understanding of where we come from.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

Gates included The Vital Question on his 2016 summer reading list and highlighted Lane's energy-centered approach to life's origins.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

TIME · 2016-05-17 · accessed 2026-06-20

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes summer list and quotes his comments on The Vital Question.

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What the author has done, shown separately from who recommends the book.

Nick LaneBiochemist and author

Biochemist and writer focused on evolution, bioenergetics, and the origins of complex life.

The Vital Question

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