Rene Dubos

Date of Birth: February 20, 1901

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: February 20, 1982

Biography

René Jules Dubos was a pioneering microbiologist, environmentalist, and author, best known for his groundbreaking research in antibiotics and his influential writings on environmental sustainability. Born in France, Dubos earned his doctorate in soil microbiology from Rutgers University, where he was instrumental in isolating the first clinically useful antibiotic, tyrothricin, in 1939. This significant discovery paved the way for the development of other antibiotics that have saved countless lives. Dubos’s work extended beyond microbiology; he was also a prominent advocate for environmental conservation. His book “So Human an Animal,” which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1969, highlighted the interconnectedness of human health and environmental well-being. Dubos coined the famous phrase “Think globally, act locally,” emphasizing the importance of individual actions in addressing global environmental issues. He spent a significant portion of his career at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University), where he contributed to various studies on tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other infectious diseases. Dubos was a prolific writer, producing over 20 books and numerous scientific articles throughout his career.

5 Interesting Facts about Rene Dubos

1. René Dubos discovered the first clinically useful antibiotic, tyrothricin, in 1939.

2. He won the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1969 for his book “So Human an Animal.”

3. Dubos is credited with the environmental motto “Think globally, act locally.”

4. He spent a significant part of his career at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.

5. René Dubos was also an advocate for sustainable agriculture and urban planning.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rene Dubos

1. “Think globally, act locally.”

2. “The health of soil, plant, animal, and man is one and indivisible.”

3. “Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival.”

4. “To escape from the trap of our own making, we must learn to live more simply so that others may simply live.”

5. “Each civilization creates its own environment, and, in turn, the environment shapes the civilization.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures regarding René Dubos’s net worth are not readily available, it is known that his primary wealth was derived from his academic and scientific contributions rather than substantial financial gain.