When talking with students, a common question arises: How do I choose what to do in life? and How long will I stay motivated on this path? Some take the approach of continuing until they no longer feel motivated, then switching directions.
A few weeks ago, I came across a fascinating book written by Francis Crick, What Mad Pursuit, published in 1988. Crick, best known as one of the co-discoverers of DNA, had an unconventional academic journey. He was over 30 when he chose to study the difference between living and non-living things. And yet, despite this late start, he made one of the most groundbreaking discoveries of the 20th century.
One of the most remarkable and interesting concepts discussed in the book was his process of applying the “Gossiping Test”. It struck me as both simple and brilliant:
“What we are really interested in is what we gossip about.”
Essentially, Crick suggests that we can uncover our true passions by examining our casual conversations, what we naturally discuss when we’re not consciously thinking about work or ambitions. He realised that, during his time at the Naval Research Office, he often found himself enthusiastically discussing topics he hadn’t yet fully understood with his colleagues. When he reflected on what excited him the most about them, he noticed that his conversations revolved around two big questions: the borderline between living and non-living things and how the brain worked. He ultimately chose the first for his research focus.
Curious about how this test would work for me, I decided to run a small experiment: for three weeks, I paid close attention to the topics I kept bringing up in conversations. No filters, no forcing a specific topic, just letting the gossip flow naturally.
It turns out I kept circling back to how seemingly small events can trigger exponential impacts, both positive and negative, shaping society in unexpected ways. More specifically, I found myself talking about asymmetric societal impacts: how climate extremes, for instance, affect different population groups disproportionately, often magnifying existing inequalities. From heatwaves that pose heightened risks for pregnant women and children, to floods that displace vulnerable communities, these events remind me of how urgent it is to ensure equal access to care and resources.
I also noticed something else. While many Italians abroad miss Italian food, my conversations took a different turn, I found myself missing something even more essential: a larger, well-maintained flat (with a dishwasher!).
It came as a surprise that even when I wasn’t consciously thinking about work, these issues were on my mind.
Of course, Crick’s approach to observing conversation topics worked for him, and but it may not be equally applicable to everyone. But it’s still a great way to check whether what we say we’re passionate about actually comes up in our everyday conversations.
While the Gossiping Test can provide clarity, we also have to face reality. Not everyone has the freedom to fully chase their intellectual passions, especially in times of economic instability. Still, understanding what excites us can help guide our choices, whether we’re shaping a career path, selecting projects, or simply deciding where to focus our energy.
We might discover that the topics we naturally chat about are pointing us toward what truly excites us.
Mar 2025
