An abstract graphic of rounded lines forming a circle on a dark blue background. The lines are pink and blend into purple in an ombre circle, with just a portion of the circle showing on the screen. The graphic signifies the design of The Milken Institute's Global Conference 2025, an annual forum that brings together leaders from business, finance, and other fields to discuss economic and social issues.
Global Conference 2025

Author Talk: Francis Collins, "The Road to Wisdom"

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As he recounts in The Road to Wisdom, Francis Collins aims to recover the wisdom available to us all. As a young microbiologist, he embarked on a course of study to solidify his atheism, the “logical” path for a scientist. To his surprise, his reading instead awakened him to the Christian faith. Reconciling cross and crucible is not always easy, but he’s found that faith and science amplify rather than contradict each other. As a man of science, he’s overseen breakthrough discoveries leading to treatments for previously fatal diseases. As a man of faith, he’s debated and befriended ardent atheists and brought them closer to his views. In The Road to Wisdom, Collins lays out a compelling pathway for us to follow to “unwarp” ourselves and the country.

As with all Global Conference public sessions, registration is not required to attend an Author Talk, but seating is limited. Seats will be open to the first 50 attendees. We recommend Conference attendees add any Author Talks of interest to your agenda. If you cannot attend the Author Talk or are solely interested in the book signing portion, we encourage you to come to the Global Conference on-site bookstore managed by Barnes & Noble for the final 20 minutes of the scheduled hour.

Books featured in the Author Talks and Book Signings are available for purchase at the on-site bookstore.


    Guest

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    Francis Collins

    16th Director, National Institutes of Health

    Moderator

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    Jeff Valliere

    Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Milken Institute