The Meaning of Human Existence

By: Edward O. Wilson

Narrated by: Jonathan Hogan

Searching for meaning in what Nietzsche once called “the rainbow colors” around the outer edges of knowledge and imagination, Edward O. Wilson bridges science and philosophy to create a 21st century treatise on human existence. Once criticized for his over-reliance on genetics, Wilson unfurls here his most expansive and advanced theories on human behavior, recognizing that, even though the human and spider evolved similarly, the poet’s sonnet is wholly different than the spider’s web. Whether attempting to explicate "the Riddle of the Human Species", warning of "the Collapse of Biodiversity", or even creating a plausible "Portrait of E.T.", Wilson does indeed believe that humanity holds a special position in the known universe. Alarmed, however, that we are about to abandon natural selection by redesigning biology and human nature as we wish them, Wilson concludes that advances in science and technology bring us our greatest moral dilemma since God stayed the hand of Abraham. Edward O. Wilson is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading scientists. He is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the author of the best-selling The Social Conquest of Earth and Letters to a Young Scientist.

©2014 Edward O. Wilson (P)2014 Recorded Books

Wonderful Book

I've not read Edward Wilson until now and am kicking myself for it. This book was a wonderful journey that provides a much appreciated objectivity and perspective of our biological roots from the (astonishingly rare) eloquent scientist. I put this book down once while reading and that was to sleep. Highly recommended for ANYONE.

Stunning

Because of the grandiose title I expected a certain level of hyperbole. I was wrong. This book is a brilliant summary of what makes humans unique. It's well worth the few hours that it takes to read (or listen to) it.

Compelling book. Good “performer”

Thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have others by EOWilson. Still the Eagle Scout being so thorough in his arguments. And he has opinions most of which resonated. Being just a humble lay person myself he was engaging. Good writer.

scattered.. too many big topics

While few can refute Wilson's contribution to science, this book was dissapointing. Seemed to take on too many BIG topics and treat them tersely. Highly recommend Wilson's past books nonetheless.

good content/needs new narration

headline says it all. research and writing seem legit, narrator needs to spit out those marbles and have a sip of Apple juice before slaughtering next manuscript.