Michael Behe

Date of Birth: January 18, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Michael Behe is an American biochemist and intelligent design advocate, best known for his concept of “irreducible complexity.” Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Behe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Drexel University in 1974 and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978. He has been a professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania since 1985. Behe’s work gained widespread attention with the publication of his book “Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution” in 1996. In this book, he argues that certain biological systems are too complex to have evolved purely through Darwinian evolution, proposing instead that they are best explained by an intelligent cause. This idea has been highly controversial and has sparked extensive debate within the scientific community. Despite criticism from many scientists, Behe has continued to advocate for intelligent design, publishing additional books and articles on the subject. He has also participated in several high-profile debates and court cases, including the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial in 2005, where he testified in favor of teaching intelligent design in public schools.

5 Interesting Facts about Michael Behe

1. Michael Behe’s concept of “irreducible complexity” has been a cornerstone of the intelligent design movement.

2. He testified in the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial, which ruled against the teaching of intelligent design in public schools.

3. Behe’s book “Darwin’s Black Box” was named by the New York Times as one of the 100 most influential books of the 20th century.

4. He has been a professor at Lehigh University since 1985, despite the university distancing itself from his views on intelligent design.

5. Behe has written several books, including “The Edge of Evolution” and “Darwin Devolves,” which further explore his critiques of Darwinian evolution.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Behe

1. “The conclusion of intelligent design flows naturally from the data itself—not from sacred books or sectarian beliefs.”

2. “It’s a shame that the scientific community has such an allergy to the word ‘design.’”

3. “The complexity of biological systems is something that cries out for an explanation.”

4. “Irreducible complexity is just a fancy way of saying that life is too complicated to have happened by chance.”

5. “The evidence for intelligent design is clear and persuasive, if only people are willing to look at it objectively.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Michael Behe’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but it is estimated to be around $1 million, primarily from his academic salary, book sales, and speaking engagements.

Children

Michael Behe has nine children. He often references his large family in his writings and public talks, noting that their curiosity and questions about the natural world have influenced his thinking and work.