Evolution for Everyone
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Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives
Publisher’s Weekly calls it “by far the most accessible account of evolution for a general audience, as well as the farthest ranging,” and E.O. Wilson calls it “truly a book for our time.” |
Endorsements
It is truly a book for our time…
Evolution for Everyone is a remarkable contribution. No other author has managed to combine mastery of the subject with such a clear and interesting explanation of what it all means for human self-understanding. Aimed at the general reader, yet peppered with ideas original enough to engage scholars, it is truly a book for our time.
- Edward O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of On Human Nature
Evolution for Everyone fills a gap in understanding evolution…
In this age of mounting mistrust between science and religion in American society—especially in America’s classrooms—David Sloan Wilson’s Evolution for Everyone comes as a breath of fresh air. Without stooping to condemn those whose religious beliefs lead them to reject evolution, Wilson clearly but gently shows how evolution is essential to understanding all aspects of our daily lives. Wilson knows the power of a good story—and most of his 36 chapters are short, riveting accounts of evolution and the scientists who have puzzled out the intricacies, and importance, of understanding evolution in human life. Evolution for Everyone fills a gap in understanding evolution, and will help in the much-needed bridge building across the divide that has threatened educational values in recent years.
- Niles Eldredge, Division of Paleontology, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
Evolutionary biology at its very best…
A mind-stretching and unforgettable synthesis of biology, psychology, religion, and politics, this engrossing story is evolutionary biology at its very best.
- Martin Seligman, author of Learned Optimism and Authentic Happiness
A narrative that can be enjoyed by anyone…
There tend to be two types of science books, those for professional scientists and those for the general public. Every once in awhile a book comes along that bridges this gap, and David Sloan Wilson’s Evolution for Everyone is just such a book—a well written, page-turning narrative that can be enjoyed by anyone, that also contains original ideas that simply must be read by professional scientists because they push the science forward. I was amazed by how much new ground Wilson covers, how many new ideas he presents, so in this case “everyone” means just that: general readers and professional scientists alike.
- Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine, columnist for Scientific American, and the author of Why Darwin Matters
Evolution for Everyone is tremendous fun…
But don’t be deceived. David Sloan Wilson is a master biologist, who just happens to be a wonderful story teller.
- Sarah B. Hrdy, author of Mother Nature
Bantam Dell Podcast
Evolution for Everyone author David Sloan Wilson explains how evolutionary theory is connected to matters of importance in our everyday lives and how it can become a useful tool for everyone. (Audio MP3)
What They’re Saying
Publisher’s Weekly:
Readers who’ve grown weary of the usual treatment of evolution as a deadly foe to religion will find Wilson’s book a cheerful antidote, breaking new ground in its sweeping breadth and offering much to think about.
Chicago Sun Times:
Wilson does for evolution what Steve Levitt does for economics in his book Freakonomics….Evolution for Everyone is full of gripping stories about the natural world, related with humor and a rare flair for language.
- Raymond T. Pierrehumbert
The New York Times:
Wilson invites readers inside and shows them how Darwinism is done, and at lesson’s end urges us to go ahead, try it at home. The result is a sprightly, absorbing, and charmingly earnest book that manages a minor miracle, the near complete emulsifying of science and the real world.
- Natalie Angier
Booklist:
Wilson… tends to approach evolution from slightly offbeat angles…the book is nevertheless ambitious, thoughtful, and intellectually stimulating. Readers will agree or disagree with Wilson to varying degrees, but they will all agree on one thing: he makes you think hard about how we got the way we are.
- David Pitt
Kirkus Reviews:
the author’s enthusiasm is infectious… (He) outlines basic Darwinian principles, then proceeds through a series of chapters that illustrate how they apply to such matters as homicide, human personality, physical attractiveness, morality, human societies, laughter, literature and the arts, symbolic thinking, religion and international relations. A clear, concise description of how evolutionary theory works, ardently argued by a True Believer.
New Scientist:
David’s aim is to show that evolution can transform our basic understanding of everyday life. With a clear passion for the subject, Wilson shows that understanding evolution is easy, even intuitive – it really is for everyone. If only everyone would read his book.
- Rowan Hooper
