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Bas Kast
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Bas Kast (born 1973 in Landau, residence in Rottendorf) is a German-Dutch science writer. He studied psychology and biology at the University of Konstanz[1] and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.[1] Working as a freelancer first for the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit[1] and other magazines, he later became an editor and reporter for the Berlin-based newspaper Der Tagesspiegel.[2] His articles have earned him a number of national and international prizes.[2][citation needed] Kast has written several popular science books, some of which became best selling books that have been translated in numerous languages.[citation needed]

Key Information

Articles (English)

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  • "Decisions, decisions...", Nature, 2001 May 10;411(6834):126-8.
  • "The best supporting actors", Nature, 2001 Aug 16;412(6848):674-6.

Awards

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Books

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  • Revolution im Kopf (2003)
  • Die Liebe und wie sich Leidenschaft erklärt (2004)
  • Wie der Bauch dem Kopf beim Denken hilft (2007)
  • Lauras Schweigen (2011) [Novel published using the alias Niels Nefarius]
  • Ich weiß nicht, was ich wollen soll (2012)
  • Und plötzlich macht es KLICK! (2015)
  • Der Ernährungskompass. Das Fazit aller wissenschaftlichen Studien zum Thema Ernährung. (2018)
  • Der Ernährungskompass – Das Kochbuch. (2019)
  • Das Buch eines Sommers. Werde, wer du bist. (2020)
  • Kompass für die Seele. Das Fazit neuester Studien zu Resilienz und innerer Stärke, C. Bertelsmann Verlag, München (2023)

References

[edit]
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Bas Kast

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''Bas Kast'' is a German-Dutch science journalist and author known for his bestselling popular science books that make complex research on nutrition, psychology, and mental well-being accessible to general readers. His most prominent work, Der Ernährungskompass (The Nutritional Compass), has sold over a million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 20 languages. Born in 1973 in Landau, Germany, Kast studied psychology and biology at the University of Konstanz, Ruhr University Bochum, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he worked with Marvin Minsky. He originally intended to pursue a career in neuroscience but shifted his focus to science writing and journalism. His books frequently draw on scientific evidence while incorporating personal experimentation to offer practical guidance on health and happiness. Kast's breakthrough came with Der Ernährungskompass (2018), which was named Science Book of the Year by bild der wissenschaft and reached widespread popularity. He has since published additional titles including Kompass für die Seele (Compass for the Soul), which explores strategies for mental resilience through nature, exercise, and other evidence-based methods, as well as his first novel Das Buch eines Sommers (A Summer's Tale, 2020). Through his writing, Kast has established himself as a leading voice in German-language science communication on lifestyle and well-being topics.

Early life and education

Birth and family background

Bas Kast was born in 1973 in Landau in der Pfalz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. He is frequently described as a German-Dutch author and science writer. His early schooling took place in multiple locations, including Utrecht in the Netherlands, Munich in Germany, and California, indicating a childhood marked by international mobility. Little public information is available on his immediate family or parental background.

Academic studies and influences

Bas Kast studied psychology and biology at the University of Konstanz, the Ruhr University Bochum, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. He earned Diplom degrees in both fields and was a scholarship holder of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. During his time at MIT, he studied with Marvin Minsky, a pioneer in artificial intelligence and cognitive science whose work intersected with neurosciences. Originally aspiring to become a neuroscientist, Kast focused his academic training on neurosciences and brain research. His studies in psychology, biology, and related fields laid the foundation for his later interest in communicating complex scientific concepts, particularly those related to the brain and human behavior, to broader audiences.

Professional career

Early work in science journalism

Bas Kast entered science journalism following his academic studies in psychology and biology at the University of Konstanz, the Ruhr University Bochum, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. His foundational training in these fields equipped him to communicate complex scientific concepts, particularly in neuroscience, psychology, and related disciplines. Kast completed his journalistic training with stints at the magazines Geo and Nature, as well as through a Volontariat at the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel. He then joined Der Tagesspiegel full-time, serving as a science editor in its Wissensressort and later as a reporter until 2008. In this capacity, he produced explanatory articles on topics including brain research, evolutionary biology, creativity, moral psychology, and major scientific events such as Nobel Prize announcements and the Large Hadron Collider startup at CERN. His early contributions extended to other outlets, with articles appearing in DIE ZEIT as early as 1998 on subjects like the neuroscience of music and focal hand dystonia. Kast's work in this period earned recognition through awards including the Axel-Springer-Preis für Junge Journalisten in 2002, the Heureka-Journalistenpreis in 2004, and the European Science Writers Award in 2006. These accolades reflected his emerging reputation as a clear and insightful communicator of scientific ideas in German-language media.

Transition to book authorship

Bas Kast shifted his focus from pursuing a career in neuroscience research to science writing and journalism. This decision marked the initial pivot away from academic research toward science communication, first through journalism and later through book authorship. He subsequently trained as a journalist and contributed to prestigious outlets, including publishing on cognitive neuroscience topics for Nature. His scientific background informed his approach to writing, emphasizing evidence-based analysis of research studies. This foundation in journalism and science eventually led to his transition to authoring books, where he could synthesize complex findings into accessible non-fiction works. Early publishing efforts built on his journalistic experience, establishing him as an author before his later widely recognized titles. Bas Kast has established himself as a prominent figure in popular science communication through his ability to translate complex research from psychology, biology, and neuroscience into clear, engaging content for general audiences. In his books, he systematically reviews scientific literature to synthesize evidence-based insights and offer practical guidance on aspects of human health and behavior. His writing is characterized by an accessible style that makes scientific concepts approachable. Kast focuses on illuminating fundamental human experiences—such as love, intuition, creativity, and decision-making—through the lens of empirical evidence.

Notable works

Health and nutrition books

Bas Kast's most successful contributions to health and nutrition literature center on his bestseller Der Ernährungskompass (The Diet Compass), published in 2018 by C. Bertelsmann. The book distills extensive scientific research on nutrition into a practical 12-step guide aimed at promoting healthier eating habits and longevity without advocating restrictive diets. It emphasizes evidence-based choices, such as prioritizing certain fats, proteins, and carbohydrates while debunking common myths, drawing from studies on topics like the Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, and the impacts of sugar and processed foods. The origins of Der Ernährungskompass trace back to Kast's personal health scare at age 40, when he experienced severe chest pain that prompted a radical reassessment of his diet and lifestyle based on scientific literature. The work achieved widespread popularity and has sold over one million copies. Kast extended the book's impact with the companion title Der Ernährungskompass – Das Kochbuch, which provides recipes and meal ideas consistent with the original guide's evidence-based principles. These works represent his primary focus on accessible, research-driven nutrition advice for the general public.

Other non-fiction titles

Bas Kast has authored several non-fiction titles exploring psychological, neuroscientific, and behavioral themes beyond health and nutrition. These works draw on scientific research to address topics such as love, intuition, decision-making, creativity, and mental resilience. His early book Revolution im Kopf. Die Zukunft des Gehirns (2003) examines advances in brain research and their implications for understanding human nature and reality. Die Liebe und wie sich Leidenschaft erklärt (2004) investigates the biological and psychological mechanisms behind romantic love and passion. In Wie der Bauch dem Kopf beim Denken hilft. Die Kraft der Intuition (2007), Kast explores the power of intuition and the gut-brain axis in thinking and decision processes. Later titles include Ich weiß nicht, was ich wollen soll. Warum wir uns so schwer entscheiden können und wo das Glück zu finden ist (2012), which analyzes difficulties in making choices amid freedom and seeks paths to happiness. Und plötzlich macht es KLICK! Das Handwerk der Kreativität oder wie die guten Ideen in den Kopf kommen (2015) discusses the processes behind creative ideas and how they emerge. More recently, Kompass für die Seele (2023) compiles recent studies on resilience and inner strength, offering practical strategies against stress, exhaustion, and depressive moods through scientific insights and self-experiments, including ten applicable approaches for greater energy, balance, and joy.

Fiction writing

Bas Kast ventured into fiction with his debut novel Das Buch eines Sommers: Werde, der du bist (A Summer's Tale: Become Who You Are), published by Diogenes Verlag on September 23, 2020. The 240-page contemporary narrative explores themes of self-discovery and the philosophical challenge of becoming one's authentic self, encapsulated in the motto "Werde, der du bist" (Become who you are). It centers on the tension between personal dreams and life's obligations, posing the question of why many struggle with the essential task of realizing their true identity. Unlike his established body of popular science and non-fiction works, this novel represents Kast's first foray into literary storytelling, blending light philosophical reflection with elements of personal development and existential inquiry. Critics praised it as a heartwarming yet thought-provoking tale of self-finding, describing it as an uplifting developmental story that addresses profound questions of being without heavy sentimentality. The book achieved commercial success, appearing on the Spiegel bestseller list for nine weeks.

Personal life

Health crisis and lifestyle changes

In his early forties, Bas Kast experienced a severe episode of chest pain while jogging, which forced him to stop abruptly after just a short distance. He described the sensation as a massive stabbing pain, as though a steel hand or fist were gripping and squeezing his heart, accompanied by heart irregularities that had begun to appear during exercise and stressful situations. This distressing incident, occurring shortly after he became a father, led him to confront the possibility that his longstanding diet heavy in junk food, chocolate, beer, and frequent meat consumption had contributed to premature heart problems. The event prompted Kast to radically overhaul his lifestyle, with a primary emphasis on transforming his diet based on scientific evidence rather than popular trends. He eliminated junk food, limited meat to occasional small portions, increased intake of vegetables, legumes, nuts, and high-quality oils, and adopted practices such as intermittent fasting. Over the following three years, he immersed himself in extensive research of nutritional studies to identify evidence-based health practices that could restore and maintain well-being. This personal health crisis and the resulting lifestyle changes directly motivated Kast to write Der Ernährungskompass, in which he compiled his findings into a guide for science-based nutrition. Following these adjustments, his heart problems resolved, excess weight disappeared, and he reported feeling fitter than in his late thirties.

Residence and dual heritage

Bas Kast resides in Rottendorf, Bavaria, where he lives with his family. Born in Landau, Germany, Kast has dual German-Dutch heritage, stemming from his Dutch mother. He spent several years of his childhood in the Netherlands before the family moved to Munich. He attended school in Utrecht, as well as in Munich and during an exchange in California. This background contributes to his bilingual upbringing and international perspective.

Recognition and impact

Commercial success and readership

Bas Kast's book Der Ernährungskompass (2018) achieved substantial commercial success, selling over one million copies. This figure reflects its strong popularity in Germany, where it became one of the leading non-fiction titles in health and nutrition following Kast's personal health experiences that inspired the work. The book has been translated into multiple languages and reached an international audience. Its English edition, titled The Diet Compass: The 12-Step Guide to Science-Based Nutrition for a Healthier, Happier Life and published by Scribe Publications, notes sales of million copies worldwide. This translation helped extend its readership beyond German-speaking markets, contributing to Kast's broader recognition as a popular science author.

Influence on public discourse

Bas Kast has influenced public discourse on nutrition by popularizing evidence-based approaches through his accessible science communication. His book Der Ernährungskompass (published in English as The Diet Compass) caused a sensation in Germany by distilling thousands of studies into practical, myth-debunking guidance, helping readers navigate conflicting dietary advice. German media dubbed him the "nutritional pope" for his authoritative yet approachable style, reflecting his prominence in wellness discussions. Kast's work emphasizes translating complex research from nutritional physiology and metabolism into everyday language, often using metaphors and direct address to make terms like glycaemic index or insulin resistance comprehensible. This has been noted for encouraging personal responsibility and offering orientation amid industry-driven trends and fad diets. He focuses on empowering readers to become their own experts by presenting only strategies supported by solid evidence and personally tested over time. Reader testimonials, including accounts of resolved health issues, highlight his role in fostering informed, self-directed approaches to nutrition and longevity. His contributions have helped shift broader conversations toward skepticism of unverified claims and greater reliance on scientific consensus.

References

  1. https://kueng.swiss/en/magazine/bas-kast-compass
  2. https://scribepublications.com/authors/bas-kast
  3. https://www.diogenes.ch/foreign-rights/authors.html?detail=f43bbf4d-397d-47ee-aebd-af3e67b60b68
  4. https://www.zeit.de/autoren/K/Bas_Kast/index.xml
  5. https://www.dasgehirn.info/autor/kast
  6. https://journalismus-buecher-pfundtner.de/interview-mit-bas-kast/
  7. https://www.lovelybooks.de/autor/Bas-Kast/
  8. https://www.tagesspiegel.de/autoren/bas-kast
  9. https://www.librarything.com/author/kastbas
  10. https://www.nature.com/articles/35075745
  11. https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/the-diet-compass-en
  12. https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/979960.Bas_Kast
  13. https://www.fischerverlage.de/autor/bas-kast-1004544
  14. https://daskwort.de/starke-stimmen/interviews/kann-essen-heilen-interview-mit-bas-kast
  15. https://www.boersenblatt.net/archiv/1443876.html
  16. https://scribepublications.com/books/the-diet-compass
  17. https://www.diepresse.com/19526691/ernaehrungsexperte-bas-kast-trink-doch-so-viel-du-willst
  18. https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/bas-kast/872165/
  19. https://reihenfolge.org/autor/bas-kast/
  20. https://www.amazon.de/Die-Liebe-sich-Leidenschaft-erkl%C3%A4rt/dp/310038301X
  21. https://www.fischerverlage.de/buch/bas-kast-ich-weiss-nicht-was-ich-wollen-soll-9783596191925
  22. https://www.penguin.de/autoren/bas-kast/72969
  23. https://www.diogenes.ch/leser/titel/bas-kast/das-buch-eines-sommers-9783257071504.html
  24. https://www.diogenes.ch/factsheet2/filmrights?titleID=7a5a5fb8-1e4c-49d2-b997-eee990b0f044
  25. https://www.diogenes.ch/foreign-rights/news.html?detail=a-summers-tale-by-bas-kast-on-the-spiegel-bestseller-list-for-nine-weeks--1e066740-5204-456c-bd48-2aff72a421ec
  26. https://www.penguin.de/content/edition/excerpts_extended/Leseprobe_978-3-570-10319-7.pdf
  27. https://interaktiv.tagesanzeiger.ch/2019/interview-bas-kast/
  28. https://www.srf.ch/kultur/gesellschaft-religion/die-kunst-der-entscheidung-essen-mit-dem-kopf-planen-mit-dem-bauch
  29. https://newsroom.porsche.com/en_AU/2020/Lifestyle/porsche-bast-kast-diet-compass-911-carrera-targa-christophorus-396-23087.html
  30. https://www.galore.de/interviews/people/bas-kast/2020-08-27
  31. https://www.galaxus.it/en/s12/product/der-ernaehrungskompass-german-bas-chest-2022-reference-books-23094414
  32. https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2020/scene-passion/porsche-bast-kast-diet-compass-911-carrera-targa-christophorus-396-23003.html
  33. https://www.amazon.de/Diet-Compass-science-based-nutrition-healthier/dp/1912854937
  34. https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/food-drink/article/the-science-diet-your-guide-to-living-a-healthier-life-sqnkqnm2q
  35. https://lvs-pr.de/der-ernaehrungskompass-buch-rezension/
  36. https://buechermenschen.de/interview/exklusiv-interview-mit-bas-kast/
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