First published 2012
Edward O. Wilson tackles three ancient questions: our origins, our nature, and our destiny. The renowned biologist argues that group selection drives human evolution more powerfully than kin selection does. Wilson contends that family loyalty takes second place to group cooperation in shaping our species. He traces connections between our biological past and our present dominance over Earth's living systems. The author demonstrates how morality, religion, and creative expression spring from biological roots rather than purely cultural ones. Wilson insists that human history becomes meaningless without understanding our prehistoric development, which itself requires biological knowledge. His analysis explains how our species came to control the planet's biosphere. The book combines Wilson's expertise in biology and social behavior to reframe evolutionary theory. It offers readers the clearest account yet written of what makes humans unique and how we achieved our current position among Earth's creatures.
Genres: science, social-science, evolution, non-fiction, biology, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
352 pages · Hardcover · Liveright