The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust | Francis S. Collins | January 2026

In 'The Road to Wisdom,' Francis Collins reminds us of the four core sources of judgment and clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust. Drawing on his work from the Human Genome Project and his tenure as the director of the National Institutes of Health, as well as on ethics, philosophy, and Christian theology, Collins makes a robust case for each of these sources—their reliability and their limits. He shows how these foundations of wisdom work together, not separately, and certainly not in conflict. The book provides a moral, philosophical, and scientific framework to address contemporary issues such as distrust of public health, partisanship, racism, climate change, and threats to democracy, while also guiding readers in their daily lives.

In 'The Language of God,' Francis S. Collins advocates for theistic evolution and describes his conversion to Christianity. The book addresses the long-held belief that science and faith are mutually exclusive, arguing instead that they can complement each other. Collins draws on his experiences as a scientist, including his work on the Human Genome Project, and cites influential thinkers like C.S. Lewis and Augustine of Hippo. He discusses the concept of Moral Law, the universal human longing for God, and how science and religion can coexist without conflict. The book also explores the reconciliation of evolutionary theory with Christian beliefs and warns against using God to fill gaps in scientific knowledge.

The Book of Proverbs is a wisdom literature book that addresses various aspects of life, including wealth creation, sexuality, friendship, marriage, and child training. It is divided into several sections, each with distinct themes such as the invitation to acquire wisdom, contrasting the wise and the fool, and moral discourses on justice, the wicked, and the rich and poor. The book emphasizes the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom and personifies wisdom as a guiding force in creation and human life. Contributions come from King Solomon, Agur, Lemuel, the men of Hezekiah, and other anonymous wise individuals.

The Book of James, a New Testament epistle, emphasizes practical Christian living. It focuses on faith's demonstration through actions, highlighting the importance of good works and perseverance in the face of trials. James stresses the need for self-control, humility, and wisdom in navigating life's challenges. The book also addresses issues of wealth, poverty, and the dangers of worldly desires. Ultimately, James encourages readers to live a life of faith that is evident in their daily conduct.