David Sloan Wilson is distinguished professor of biology and anthropology at Binghamton University. He is the author of Darwin’s Cathedral: Evolution, Religion, and the Nature of Society, coauthor of Unto Others: The Evolution and Psychology of Unselfish Behavior, and coeditor of The Literary Animal: Evolution and the Nature of Narrative.
"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
"There tend to be two types of science books, those for
professional scientists and those for the general public. Every
once in awhile a book comes along that bridges this gap, and David
Sloan Wilson's Evolution for Everyone is just such a book—a well
written, page-turning narrative that can be enjoyed by anyone, that
also contains original ideas that simply must be read by
professional scientists because they push the science forward. I
was amazed by how much new ground Wilson covers, how many new ideas
he presents, so in this case "everyone" means just that: general
readers and professional scientists alike." —Michael Shermer,
Publisher of Skeptic magazine, columnist for Scientific American,
and the author of Why Darwin Matters
“Evolution for Everyone is tremendous fun. But don't be
deceived. David Sloan Wilson is a master biologist, who just
happens to be a wonderful story teller.” —Sarah B. Hrdy, author of
Mother Nature
“Wilson does for evolution what Steve Levitt does for economics in
his book Freakonomics....Evolution for Everyone is full of gripping
stories about the natural world, related with humor and a rare
flair for language.” —Chicago Sun Times
"With a clear passion for the subject, Wilson shows that
understanding evolution is easy, even intuitive—it really is for
everyone. If only everyone would read his book." —New Scientist
“Should be read by everyone interested in the natural world.”
—Buffalo News
Wilson (biology & anthropology, SUNY Binghamton; Darwin's Cathedral: Evolution, Religion, and the Nature of Society) prefers the title evolutionist, rather than evolutionary biologist, since he uses evolutionary theory to explain a wide range of human behavior. Although an ardent enthusiast of evolution, the author subjects his many conjectures to rigorous testing and expects others to do the same in order to make any valid claims. As a result, he is an excellent guide to help lay readers develop an evolutionary understanding of human nature. This personable yet erudite book, his first written for a general audience, is full of provocative, original perceptions and connections. Wilson tries to make the process of arriving at these insights as transparent as possible. His desire is to show that the work of science doesn't take any special gifts and that evolution is easy to understand. Also, in using evolutionary theory to explain religion, he doesn't use it to dismiss religion. Rather, he cautions against all belief systems, secular as well as religious, that ignore factual reality. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.-Walter L. Cressler, West Chester Univ. Lib., PA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
"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
"There tend to be two types of science books, those for
professional scientists and those for the general public. Every
once in awhile a book comes along that bridges this gap, and David
Sloan Wilson's Evolution for Everyone is just such a book-a well
written, page-turning narrative that can be enjoyed by anyone, that
also contains original ideas that simply must be read by
professional scientists because they push the science forward. I
was amazed by how much new ground Wilson covers, how many new ideas
he presents, so in this case "everyone" means just that: general
readers and professional scientists alike." -Michael Shermer,
Publisher of Skeptic magazine, columnist for Scientific
American, and the author of Why Darwin Matters
"Evolution for Everyone is tremendous fun. But don't be
deceived. David Sloan Wilson is a master biologist, who just
happens to be a wonderful story teller." -Sarah B. Hrdy, author of
Mother Nature
"Wilson does for evolution what Steve Levitt does for
economics in his book Freakonomics....Evolution for
Everyone is full of gripping stories about the natural world,
related with humor and a rare flair for language." -Chicago
Sun Times
"With a clear passion for the subject, Wilson shows that
understanding evolution is easy, even intuitive-it really is for
everyone. If only everyone would read his book." -New
Scientist
"Should be read by everyone interested in the natural world."
-Buffalo News
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