Darwin's followers still adhere rigidly to the assumption that all genetic changes are random mutations, and that harsh and impersonal 'natural selection' is the only criterion for species survival. However, as advanced genetic research has revealed the fact that the genome responds intelligently to the environment, including the emotional environment, we might be at the point of having to re-think some of the foundational assumptions of the dominant paradigm. Not all of what has been built upon this century-old work is in tune with Darwin's own ideas. Other influences have steered the Theory of Evolution, expanding it beyond merely being a scientific hypothesis into the realm of politics and even religions.
The science of epigenetics shows increasingly that genetic mutation is not random. Specific genes suspected as the cause of disorders can be switched off within the lifetime of an individual. If certain nutrient factors are present, this can occur in first-generation offspring. For example, the "agouti" mice used in research are obese and have yellowed fur. Yet if the female consumes a methyl-rich diet, it is the specific gene causing the syndrome which is visibly switched off. [I had included a link, which was elided by the system. So people can locate scientific reports themselves by searching for "methylation + epigenetic + Agouti mice"...]
The book returns to the seminal writings on which our entire scientific superstructure has been built, and finds anomalous themes which run contrary to the rigid orthodoxy, especially the so-called "social" Darwinism: attitudes of blaming the poor as 'losers' -- as if the machinations of the stock market had nothing to do with their misfortunes. That idea of "devil take the hindmost' originates not from Darwin's own mind, but from other philosophers. Famous for his runaway population-growth idea, Malthus influenced the philosophical direction taken by those developing the theory of evolution. And the atheist philosopher Nietzsche proposed that superior men are the ones who deserve to triumph, and who should not submit to what he defined as the slave morality -- his assessment of Christian compassion -- defined as helping the weak.
The social aspect of Darwin's own writings have a kinder flavour, in particular his thoughts about mutual support and the social dimension of caring as a survival mechanism for humanity. Thus the author argues that this factor was more important to Darwin himself, than the philosophy attributed to him by the political movement which regards letting the weaker ones fail as an evolutionary mechanism, denying any influence from values of the heart.
Newer sociological and psychological research indicating that we are wired for altruism, affirming this streak of social kindness in Darwin's own thought, thus becomes a factor in a re-examined theory of evolution. No human infant can survive alone in a harsh world. It takes not just the mother but her social-support system as well to bring up that child to effective adulthood. This book provides some thought-provoking suggestions for a revision of the theory to incorporate the idea of genome intelligence and the aspect of a human society as essential for survival at more than a minimal level.
While I think this book is significant in stimulating discussion, I hold back from giving it five stars due to the rather formal scholarly writing. A non-academic reader might find it less engaging that some of the more popular professional PR writing that supports the dominant assumptions of politicized social-darwinist thought. Yet, for anyone dissatisfied with the political misuse of Darwin's scientific work, I recommend exploring this book.
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- Rediscovering Darwin: The Rest of Darwin's Theory and Why We Need It TodayPaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7Only 5 left in stock - order soon.
Top reviews from other countries
- Brian GriffithReviewed in Canada on June 27, 2006
What science-spirituality split?
