The Social Conquest of Earth

Sparking vigorous debate in the sciences, The Social Conquest of Earth upends "the famous theory that evolution naturally encourages creatures to put family first" (Discover). Refashioning the story of human evolution, Wilson draws on his remarkable knowledge of biology and social behavior to demonstrate that group selection, not kin selection, is the premier driving force of human evolution. In a work that James D. Watson calls "a monumental exploration of the biological origins of the human condition," Wilson explains how our innate drive to belong to a group is both a "great blessing and a terrible curse" (Smithsonian). Demonstrating that the sources of morality, religion, and the creative arts are fundamentally biological in nature, the renowned Harvard University biologist presents us with the clearest explanation ever produced as to the origin of the human condition and why it resulted in our domination of the Earth's biosphere.

About the author

Edward O. Wilson (1929-2021) was the author of more than thirty books, including Anthill, Letters to a Young Scientist, and The Conquest of Nature. The winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, Wilson was a professor emeritus at Harvard University and lived with his wife in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Product details

• Authors: Edward Wilson, Edward O Wilson, Edward O. Wilson, Wilson Edward O.
• Publisher: Norton and Co Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.04.2013
• EAN: 9780871403636
• ISBN: 978-0-87140-363-6
• Dimensions: 142 mm x 210 mm x 23 mm
• Series: Liveright
• Subjects: Education and learning > Teaching preparation > Vocational needs; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics; Evolution, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Evolution