David Sloan Wilson

Mixed feelings about this. I guess the main point of the book is that we should use evolutionary ideas to better understand humanity and to help formulate public policy. In order to get there he has to explain evolution and especially his ideas about multilevel selection. Important stuff, but not clearly explicated, especially the multilevel stuff which I understand to be pretty controversial among geneticists. Then the way he applies this stuff to things like schools, businesses, and governments has some good ideas but it feels really thin, illustrated by a few cases and a few experiments that don’t seem conclusive. I’m really very receptive to this way of thinking about things, but I don’t feel like he did a great job making his points.… (més)

What is the biological reason for gossip?

For laughter? For the creation of art?

Why do dogs have curly tails?

What can microbes tell us about morality?

These and many other questions are tackled by renowned evolutionist David Sloan Wilson in this witty and groundbreaking new book. With stories that entertain as much as they inform, Wilson outlines the basic principles of evolution and shows how, properly understood, they can illuminate the length and breadth of creation, from the origin of life to the nature of religion. Now everyone can move beyond the sterile debates about creationism and intelligent design to share Darwin's panoramic view of animal and human life, seamlessly connected to each other.

Evolution, as Wilson explains, is not just about dinosaurs and human origins, but about why all species behave as they do—from beetles that devour their own young, to bees that function as a collective brain, to dogs that are smarter in some respects than our closest ape relatives. And basic evolutionary principles are also the foundation for humanity's capacity for symbolic thought, culture, and morality.

In example after example, Wilson sheds new light on Darwin's grand theory and how it can be applied to daily life. By turns thoughtful, provocative, and daringly funny, Evolution for Everyone addresses some of the deepest philosophical and social issues of this or any age. In helping us come to a deeper understanding of human beings and our place in the world, it might also help us to improve that world.… (més)