The Evolution of Everything

How New Ideas Emerge

By: Matt Ridley

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

“Mr. Ridley’s best and most important work to date…there is something profoundly democratic and egalitarian—even anti-elitist—in this bottom-up approach: Everyone can have a role in bringing about change.” —Wall Street Journal

The New York Times bestselling author of The Rational Optimist and Genome returns with a fascinating argument for evolution that definitively dispels a dangerous, widespread myth: that we can command and control our world

Human society evolves. Change in technology, language, morality, and society is incremental, inexorable, gradual, and spontaneous. It follows a narrative, going from one stage to the next, and it largely happens by trial and error—a version of natural selection. Much of the human world is the result of human action but not of human design: it emerges from the interactions of millions, not from the plans of a few.

Drawing on fascinating evidence from science, economics, history, politics, and philosophy, Matt Ridley demolishes conventional assumptions that the great events and trends of our day are dictated by those on high. On the contrary, our most important achievements develop from the bottom up. The Industrial Revolution, cell phones, the rise of Asia, and the Internet were never planned; they happened. Languages emerged and evolved by a form of natural selection, as did common law. Torture, racism, slavery, and pedophilia—all once widely regarded as acceptable—are now seen as immoral despite the decline of religion in recent decades.

In this wide-ranging, erudite book, Ridley brilliantly makes the case for evolution, rather than design, as the force that has shaped much of our culture, our technology, our minds, and that even now is shaping our future.

Unique & Salient

Ridley’s books—particularly this one— bring a rare and compelling perspective. The book is filled with fascinatingly unique argumentation and incisive historical context. It may keep you up at night.

Sometimes uses a broad brush

Liked the new interpretation of cause and effect. It stirred new ideas and drove me to imagine an alternate narrative. One has to be careful however to adopt a new world view based on a fast and loose explanation of much of recorded human history (i.e. religious history). Overall, this author’s identification of evolving human concepts and natural systems is fascinating.

Eye opening experience

Even though I don't agree with everything, it's still very influential reading. I'm not sure whether I wasn't doing better with more blurred vision of the world and life :-)

Everyone should read this

The concepts explored in this book are challenges to our persistently flawed "conventional wisdom." I found it refreshing and empowering.

Worth every minute.

Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and excellently read. Though one might think the topic a dry one, the content and pace of presentation will keep your attention throughout. The theme is well stated and supported by citations, so Ridley's conclusions are reasonable. Great book.