The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution by C.P. Snow
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Disclaimer: Review based on two complete listens of the audiobook, though some nuance may have been lost in this format.
Despite this essay’s significant cultural impact, its titular discussion of the divide between sciences and humanities occupies only the first two chapters and is surprisingly brief. Snow explores perceptions between these cultures, though slightly blurs the line between reporting others’ views and expressing his own opinions. For example, he notes humanities scholars supposedly view scientists as technological optimists, while he characterizes literary intellectuals as inherent luddites. These explanations and generalizations lack nuance or substantive explanation, though Snow later refined these views in a follow-up work (which, unfortunately, remains inaccessible to me). He claims that the division between these cultures is extremely detrimental to society’s progress — a claim which, again, he does not explore in depth but apparently addresses in his follow-up work.
I appreciated his acknowledgment that the two-culture framework, while reductive, serves as a useful analytical tool. His recognition of a distinct third culture — applied scientists and engineers who differ significantly from both the humanitarian and scientific cultures — adds valuable nuance, breaking down the false dichotomy that might otherwise dominate the discussion.
The remaining majority of the essay focuses on comparing education systems across the UK, US, and USSR, alongside observations about developing nations’ capacity for scientific advancement. His assertion that less developed nations are capable of the “scientific revolution” was confusing, given this historical movement occurred centuries ago.
Snow highlights what feel like distinctly British cultural elements: politicians and old-money figures sneering at science while valuing classical humanities as the more gentlemanly pursuit. Simultaneously, he notes how within scientific communities themselves, theoretical research gains prestige precisely because of its disconnect from practical applications — where “purity” trumps utility.
Note: For some reason, reviewing the 58 page essay makes you review the essay’s sequel on Goodreads.