Interdisciplinary Inspiration
Alumnus Fred “Rusty” Gage finds constant inspiration from other fields. Want to broaden your own horizons? Here’s what he recommends.
Pick Up a Mind-Expanding Book
Gage was enraptured from an early age by the writing of Isaac Asimov.
Though most widely known for science fiction works such as I, Robot, Asimov was also a professor of biochemistry who wrote a number of nonfiction books covering a range of scientific and mathematic topics.
“He wrote in this wonderful style,” Gage said. “And I began enjoying reading about science in new areas that I didn’t really quite get or hadn’t been exposed to.”
One of Gage’s other heroes is the late E.O. Wilson, whose 1998 book Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge outlines ways to bring together science and the humanities. “They’re not in opposition —they’re rewarding to each other,” Gage said.
Marry Someone Who Challenges You
Gage’s wife, Mary Lynn Gage ’72, studied history at the University of Florida, and the two would often debate the relevance of their respective majors.
“Why would I want to learn anything about history? I want to think about the future,” Gage recalls saying.
Eventually, he realized the value of placing his work in a historical context — and his wife became a science writer and editor. “We both learned from each other the importance of broad-based knowledge,” Gage said.
Return to the profile of Rusty Gage, or read more from the spring 2022 issue of Ytori.
