Date of Birth: May 7, 1962
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: (Leave blank if not applicable)
Biography
Nicholas A. Christakis is an influential American sociologist and physician known for his groundbreaking research in the fields of social networks and biosocial science. He was born to Greek immigrant parents and grew up in Washington, D.C. Christakis earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Yale University, followed by a Medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He also holds a Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. Christakis has held prestigious academic positions throughout his career, including appointments at the University of Chicago and Harvard University. Currently, he is the Sterling Professor of Social and Natural Science at Yale University, where he directs the Human Nature Lab. His research often explores how social networks influence a wide array of human behaviors and outcomes, from health to social norms. Christakis has authored several influential books, including “Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives,” co-authored with James Fowler, and “Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society.” His work has been featured in numerous high-profile academic journals and media outlets, making him a prominent figure in both scientific and public discourse.
5 Interesting Facts about Nicholas A. Christakis
1. Nicholas Christakis was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2009.
2. He served as the Master of Silliman College at Yale University, a role that placed him at the center of a significant campus controversy in 2015.
3. His book “Connected” was a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into twenty languages.
4. Christakis was elected to the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) in 2006.
5. He has received numerous awards for his research, including the Richard P. McKeon Award from the American Public Health Association.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nicholas A. Christakis
1. “The spread of good and valuable things within social networks is a key determinant of human health and well-being.”
2. “We are not just the isolated individuals that standard economic theory and much of contemporary social science assumes us to be.”
3. “Social networks are fundamentally related to goodness, and what it means to be human.”
4. “Our connectedness carries with it a moral responsibility.”
5. “The desire for good things to spread—love, happiness, altruism—is a fundamental part of human nature.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Estimated to be around $5 million at the peak of his career.
Children
Nicholas Christakis is married to Erika Christakis, an early childhood educator and author. They have three children together.
Relevant Links
2. [Human Nature Lab at Yale University](https://humannaturelab.net/
3. [Nicholas Christakis’ TED Talk](https://www.ted.com/speakers/nicholas_christakis
5. [Nicholas Christakis on Twitter](https://twitter.com/NAChristakis
