James Watson

James Dewey Watson (1928-) is, along with Francis Crick, a co-discoverer of the structure of the molecule of heredity, the DNA molecule. The two won a Nobel Prize for that discovery in 1962.

In 1996 Richard Dawkins interviewed Watson in a brief film broadcast on the BBC.

Watson said: "I don't think we're for anything, we're just products of evolution. You can say 'Gee, your life must be pretty bleak if you don't think there's a purpose' but I'm anticipating a good lunch." Later, Dawkins asked if Watson knew many religious scientists: "Virtually none. Occasionally I meet them and I'm a bit embarrassed (laugh) because I can't believe that anyone accepts truth by revelation."

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In the book The Lives to Come: The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities Watson asks, "If we don't play God, who will?" [1]
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Wilson appeared alongside James Watson, for an interview with Charlie Rose to discuss the life and work of Charles Darwin.
CR: How have people come to reconcile religion and evolution?
JW: Well, I think it's, we better define religion. If it's a personal God who interferes with our lives, and listens to our prayers, and is aware of our existence. Uh, I really, I can only mention one person that I know who believes that who's a serious scientist who believes Who is a serious scientist.
CR: Only one serious scientist you know believes there is a personal god who listens to our prayers?
JW: Yeah, that's about it.
EOW:I don't know one. I know who you're talking about. Well, I guess I know him. Yeah, okay.
CR: Francis Collins. Francis Collins is often quoted.
JW: Yeah, but I really don't know anyone else. And I think that now that we've carried the course when we actually look at DNA and see what it's like in the chimpanzee and you see all these things. The thought of anyone interfering.....oh boy! (*laughter*). It just....seems wacko.
[2]