The Social Conquest of Earth

By: Edward O. Wilson

Narrated by: Jonathan Hogan

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Edward O. Wilson is one of the world’s preeminent biologists, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and the author of more than 25 books. The defining work in a remarkable career, The Social Conquest of Earth boldly addresses age-old questions (Where did we come from? What are we? Where are we going?) while delving into the biological sources of morality, religion, and the creative arts.

©2012 Edward O. Wilson (P)2012 Recorded Books. LLC

Critic reviews

“Wilson’s newest theory...could transform our understanding of human nature—and provide hope for our stewardship of the planet.... [His] new book is not limited to the discussion of evolutionary biology, but ranges provocatively through the humanities.... Its impact on the social sciences could be as great as its importance for biology, advancing human self-understanding in ways typically associated with the great philosophers.” (Howard W. French, The Atlantic)

“a huge, deep, thrilling work, presenting a radically new but cautiously hopeful view of human evolution, human nature, and human society. No one but E. O. Wilson could bring together such a brilliant synthesis of biology and the humanities, to shed light on the origins of language, religion, art, and all of human culture.” (Oliver Sacks)

“Never shy about tackling big questions, veteran evolutionary biologist Wilson delivers his thoughtful if contentious explanation of why humans rule the Earth... Wilson succeeds in explaining his complex ideas, so attentive readers will receive a deeply satisfying exposure to a major scientific controversy.” ( Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review)

A delightful dose of rational optimism

If you're even considering EO Wilson, you most likely have some acquaintance with the man and/or his ideas. As a renowned evolutionary biologist and world expert on hymenoptera (ants in particular), he's made his mark on our understanding of the lessons to be learned from eusociality in the insect world and on the evolutionary underpinnings of our own social lives. This book continues that exploration in a thoughtful, engaging, & accessible way. While the lengthy examinations of eusociality in the insect world may not appeal to everyone, the overall thesis--that our lives as social beings are the result of group selection (rather than the largely discredited kinship theory) and the tension between individual and group interest--is captivating, and is sure to appeal to anyone with a scientific bent.

What this volume includes that others of his have not is Wilson's deeply personal meditations on what a truly rational and scientific understanding of our social life implies, both in terms of its ability to promote a deeper grasp of the human condition & its potential meaning for the future of humanity.

It's astonishing to think of a man his age writing a book so full of the wonder of exploration and discovery. The ideas & their implications will linger with you long after the final chapter...

Great stuff!

Excellent theory changing book.....time will tell.

If you could sum up The Social Conquest of Earth in three words, what would they be?

A new explanation

What other book might you compare The Social Conquest of Earth to and why?

The Red Queen, The Third Chimpanzee, and The Moral Animal. A book of the same type and nature but a totally different explanation and if hods up making large parts of those books obsolete.

Any additional comments?

Professor Wilson makes a cogent argument for looking at our evolution in a different way. His argument that we are eusocial animals (like ants and bees) at first seems hard to swallow but by the end of the book, it all makes sense. The argument for multilevel evolution, if it holds up, will replace the theories of kin selection and reciprocal altruism. Clearly this a big change and this theory has its detractors.

Perspective altering

An important and wise book. Terrific scientific and historic context. Brings the profound arrogance of our species into stark relief.

mixed bag

Drags in places,but the chapter on religion and the concluding chapter make this book well worth a credit. People of religion will find Wilson's thoughts difficult to swallow. If the book does nothing else, it will make you think.

Definitely a primer...

in neo-Darwinean thought that does not add anything too much at all to the more intellectual, and certainly more engaging works of Dawkins, Dennett, Pinker and Wright. While this is not a bad book at all and certainly has its good moments, I would decidedly recommend a book by the authors above over this, as it is very basic in its information and approach.

I almost never say anything about narrators, because, if the book is engaging, I usually don't register the voice of the reader too much, but the narrator of this book has the mildly annoying sound of Tom Brokaw after a Valium.

elsewhere

makers and takers rana foroohar tb
currency wars pl
1491 charles mann pl
1493 charles mann pl
upside of inequality pl
games people play pl
commonwealth ann padgett pl
infinity puzzle frank pl
coming apart charles murray pl
world undone pl
in defense of food michael pollan pl
botany of desire michael pollan pl
elon musk ashlee vance acpl
hillbilly elegy vance pl

Outstanding!!!!

This is a must read for anyone seeking their place in the world and for those whom have contemplated our current social inequities, how they began and where we're headed.

A new level of understanding evolution

A challenging book that greatly expanded my knowledge and understanding of evolution. Well worth the read if only to look into the lives of ants and bees. And then human genetics of social behavior and variations from the same gene. It was great and deserves a second listen.

Superb performance

What made the experience of listening to The Social Conquest of Earth the most enjoyable?

Just wanted to comment on the reader. Even though I thought the reading of the text was a bit annoying at the beginning, I have come to love the way the book is read. Excellent performance.

Bound to have a lasting impact on your thinking

The ideas rationed out in this book are a fresh and convincing view if our everyday experience.

Note: The one chapter arguing incorrectness of kin selection was really tedious and almost made me stop listening... Glad I stuck with it.