The Social Conquest of Earth

Written by Edward O. Wilson

Narrated by Jonathan Hogan

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. "Wilson's new theory . could transform our understanding of human nature."-Atlantic

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781464038440

Reviews for The Social Conquest of Earth

[the_hibernator · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In The Social Conquest of Earth, Wilson expounds upon the theories that were set forth in his classic work Sociobiology. His main thesis is that group selection, not kin selection, drove evolution and helped us to develop societies. He compares the way human society developed to the way ant "society" developed (ants are his specialty). He suggests reasons why religion and xenophobia would have originally developed as protective characteristics of groups. This book covers a large swath of material...from ants to human prehistory, to history, to today. I think he did a pretty good job organizing the book considering what a wide topic he was covering. His theories were clear and for the most part convincing. I think Wilson is an atheist, but he did a pretty good job of stating his opinions in an agnostic sort of way to avoid insulting the faithful. I think the book was well-written, interesting, and approachable by a non-scientific audience. I had no issues with Hogan's narration--he read the book well, but it wasn't anything worth raving about.

[C Garza · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Who is this book even written for? Better just call it evolutionary bio for dummies.