Why We Die

A major exploration of the science of why and how we age and die - from a Nobel Prize-winning biologist and former president of the Royal Society.

'Utterly fascinating. Clear, enthralling and packed with insights.' - Bill Bryson

'Ramakrishnan's writing is so honest, lucid and engaging' - Siddhartha Mukherjee

The knowledge of death is so terrifying that we live most of our lives in denial of it. Our fear of death has underpinned our religions, inspired our cultures, and also driven our science. Today we are living through a revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in our understanding of why we age and die, and why some species live longer than others. Immortality, once a faint hope, has never been more within our grasp.

Here, Nobel Prize-winning biologist Venki Ramakrishnan offers a definitive look at why we die - and whether we can do anything about it. Covering the recent breakthroughs in scientific research, he examines the cutting edge of efforts to extend lifespan by altering our natural biology and how this raises profound questions. Although we might not like it, might death might serve a necessary biological purpose? And what are the social and ethical costs of attempting to live forever? As science advances, we have much to gain. But might we also have much to lose?

Why We Die is a narrative of uncommon insight and beauty from one of our leading public intellectuals.