Evolution for Everyone

How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives

By: David Sloan Wilson

Narrated by: René Ruiz

Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

With stories that entertain as much as they inform, renowned evolutionist David Sloan Wilson outlines the basic principles of evolution and shows how, when properly understood, they can illuminate the length and breadth of creation, from the origin of life to the nature of religion. 

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 Wilson in this witty and groundbreaking new book. 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.

©2007 David Sloan Wilson (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"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)

"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)

"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 Learned Optimism and Authentic Happiness)

Pure excellence even for those that understand evolution

I have passed by this book for years simply because of the title. Thinking “I know this stuff, how could it be more than a waste of time. Being a big fan of Dawkins and E O Wilson somehow I missed out on D S Wilson. This is a powerfully moving book, it makes me want to throw away my whole successful career and start from the beginning one again. Plus for those who have only an inkling of what understanding evolution can do for you, this book is a great resource. A++++
The performance is actually really good. The reason I give it a 4 is because I really love to hear an audio book presentation reading by the author. David Sloan Wilson, you have gained another worshipper 😉. #iloveevolutiion

A compelling advocate for Evolution

The author said his book is a way to merge science with creationism. Not so. He gave the ever changing science the role of the highest authority and downgraded creationism as having no authority, therefore discounting all the science-backed facts that prove the Bible and the opinions of his science colleagues who disagree with him.

Everything evolves - really

An absolutely amazing, eye-opening, and totally accessible read. You won’t see life the same way again after you read this!

Prairie Home Companion for Evolution

I agree with most nearly everything in this book and am a fan of the author’s ideas but JFC a more meandering, cheesy, folksy bordering on creepy and weird, boring and annoyingly narrated book on this subject I have not read. It was a grueling chore to get through for the ounce of stuff I hadn’t read elsewhere in the author’s better-written books. Probably worth it though.