Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives First Edition Edition

by David Sloan Wilson (Author)

63 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0385340212

ISBN-10: 9780385340212

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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.

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Evolution is far more than just dinosaurs and fossils, Wilson says, and he enthusiastically explains, with a clear and pleasing style, how it affects our everyday lives. This is Wilson's fourth book on evolution (Darwin's Cathedral, etc.) and is by far the most accessible account of evolution for a general audience, as well as the farthest ranging. Building on diverse examples, Wilson demonstrates that evolution is completely relevant to modern human affairs, including how we use language, create culture and define morality. The discussion is as entertaining as it is easy to follow, covering topics as seemingly unrelated as why the burying beetle commits infanticide and why so many domestic animals have floppy ears. For readers seeking a more technical presentation, Wilson offers both a complete bibliography and list of Web sites for reference. 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. (Apr. 3)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Bookmarks Magazine

Evolution for Everyone is David Sloan Wilson's fifth book on the subject (including Darwin's Cathedral and The Literary Animal) and the most reader-friendly. Critics favorably compare the effort to Steven J. Levitt's and Stephen J. Dubner's runaway best seller Freakonomics. They claim that Wilson, professor of biology and anthropology at Britain's Binghamton University, does for evolution what those two authors did for economicsthat is, draw interesting and unexpected connections between musty theory and its practical applications in our everyday lives. Although most of his observations are right on the mark, Wilson's desire to connect evolution and religion may strike some as overreaching or preachy.

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Product details

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press; First Edition edition (March 27, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780385340212
ISBN-13: 978-0385340212
ASIN: 0385340214
Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.2 x 8.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 63 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #960,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #242 in Books > Science & Math > Evolution > Organic
- #2269 in Books > Textbooks > Science & Mathematics > Biology & Life Sciences > Biology
- #5042 in Books > Science & Math > History & Philosophy

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John Michael Trowbridge

Everyone should READ it

June 20, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Im a conservative evangelical Christian and absolutely adore this book. Wilson's basic thrust is that evolution is simple and common sense, made up of 3 basic facts; variation (that individuals of every species are not all the same) consequences of variation (being taller is more attractive in humans and so you're more likely to find a mate - ditto for male color in birds), and heritability (these variations that are good for you can be passed down to your kids).

Wilson is at pains to make evolution fascinating and interesting without making it a very jargony discipline. Everyone can benefit from these insights. It's not that "people are just animals" but that people act certain ways for reasons. There are things that are common to all of us, and that we are hardwired to do and act certain ways based on our ability to adapt to our environment. Those who are in violent environments think more short term, and those in peaceful environments think more long term and cooperate better, just to use one example.

If you feel that's common sense, that's kinda the point. Evolution isn't a threat ending discipline, but an ultimate one. That is to say, "ultimately" we fall in love because it is useful to us to have children. However, we have plenty of other reasons for falling in love, not least of which because it is beautiful and enjoyable and rewarding. These are "proximate" reasons that are not in conflict but without one or the other, you miss a very important aspect of what it means to be human.

Evolution is for everyone, and everyone should read this book. Many of our biggest questions about conflict, politics, race, disagreement, heartache, depression, beauty, and myriads of others can be solved with the right kind of thinking, and that thinking is that we are the way we are because of our ability to adapt to our environments to thrive and enjoy the meaning of life!

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Phycophile

Good book, but don't misunderstand the title

December 20, 2008

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I am a professional Biologists and found this book interesting and thoughtful.

I think this is a clever book, and one that leads the reader on an intellectually satisfying journey.

I am a little concerned that the title may mislead some people. The author successfully makes the case that Darwinism should be an important foundational concept for serious thinkers in the Social Sciences, Religious Studies and Economics, as well as in Biology. "Evolution for Everyone" refers to the idea that serious investigators in all areas, not just in the sciences, should understand and make use of the theory. The writing in not especially technical (kudos to the author for largely abstaining from the jargon), but the interplay between ideas and evidence is pretty complex (and interesting). Thus, it requires the reader's attention if he/she is really to get much out of the reading.

When I first read the title, I expected that it would be a relatively light hearted primer on evolution for those non-scientists who have an interest in the interaction of science with the so-called "culture wars". There are many other books that better fill this latter role (including the one from the National Academy of Sciences which can be downloaded free from their website).

Basically this is a fascinating work if the reader is willing to stretch his or her brain.

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Robert P. Shannon

Science and Writing at its Best; Compelling, Comprehensive and Convincing.

May 26, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Objective, thoughtful and pithy indeed.
I first heard the author on a Podcast with Krista Trippett "On Being" and was immediately hooked by this thoughtful and respectful scientist describe his worldview that includes the writing of Teilhard de Chardin a well respected Jesuit theologian and scientist himself. It is a "relatively" easy read; yet, it does beg an open mind--seems obvious doesn't it. I am not sure it will convert any skeptics; yet, if one really ponders the book, it is written in a logical manner that is compelling, comprehensive and convincing!

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Michael

Understanding Evolution in Three Easy Steps

October 29, 2011

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Religious folk pretend to know what evolution is without ever studying it. There are many books that could introduce them to the topic. One is Evolution for Everyone by David Sloan Wilson. In chapter Three, Mr. Wilson introduces three basic concepts of the law of evolution.

The three are heredity, variation, and consequence. Theists might agree that children inherit from parents. They may also agree that offspring vary. If they understand that there are consequences to variation, they are half way to becoming literate in the science of evolution.

Stop pretending. Buy the book. Read it.

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September 7, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This book truly sparked my interest in evolutionary natural selection processes. I will definitely read more from this author and his associates.

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Katelyn J.

Different approach to evolution

June 25, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The author claims to explain how evolution and religion can coexist. As someone who is not religious, I felt that he was condescending in his treatment of religion, although I think that he did explain why it occurs in an evolutionary sense. The book applies evolution in interesting and different ways to many subjects, though, so I think it is worth reading.

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