The Strange Friendship Between Scientists and Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein, a man known for his dark past, had a surprising interest in scientists. He spent years talking to them, donating money, and even getting involved in their work. But why did so many famous scholars associate with him?

A Wealthy Financier's Influence

Epstein was a wealthy financier who liked to be around influential people. He gave money to scientists, universities, and even organizations like the Edge Foundation. Some of these donations happened after he was convicted of crimes. For example, he gave over $9 million to Harvard and more than half a million to MIT after his 2008 conviction.

The Power of Money

Money is a big reason why scientists might have been interested in Epstein. Scientists often need funding for their research. Epstein gave money to many different things, from science projects to dance groups. He didn’t always ask for his name on buildings, but he did get involved in some research.

A Network of Influential Friends

Epstein also liked to be around famous people. He had a network of influential friends, including scientists, politicians, and artists. Some scientists became well-known through best-selling books, magazine features, and popular talks. Epstein saw them as valuable connections.

The Darker Side of His Interests

But there’s a darker side to Epstein’s interest in science. He was fascinated by brain science and even wanted to study how people influence each other’s behavior. He proposed a study on "social prosthetic systems", which sounds like he saw people as tools for his own goals. Harvard approved him as a visiting fellow, even though he had no real qualifications.

Conflicts of Interest

Some scientists have said they didn’t know about Epstein’s crimes when they associated with him. Others, like Steven Pinker, disliked Epstein but still ended up helping him indirectly. Pinker wrote a legal opinion that was used in Epstein’s defense without knowing it.

Questions Raised

Epstein’s connections to scientists raise questions about how money and influence affect science. Scientists are often seen as experts, but they also rely on wealthy donors. This can create conflicts of interest and make it hard to separate good science from bad influences.