Gadfly, heretic, persuasive expositor, and illuminating teacher, Marjorie Grene has been writing about philosophical issues and influencing philosophical debate since the 1930s.

In this unrepentant and provocative essay, Grene brings together some of the themes in philosophy, biology, and other disciplines which have influenced her other work, together with recollections of her contacts with some of the thinkers and ideas which have most impressed her.