The Origins of Creativity

Written by Edward O Wilson

Narrated by Jonathan Hogan

"Creativity is the unique and defining trait of our species; and its ultimate goal, self-understanding," begins Edward O. Wilson's sweeping examination of the humanities and its relationship to the sciences. By studying fields as diverse as paleontology, evolutionary biology, and neuroscience, Wilson demonstrates that human creativity began not 10,000 years ago, as we have long assumed, but over 100,000 years ago in the Paleolithic Age. Chronicling the evolution of creativity from primates to humans, Wilson shows how the humanities, in large part spurred on by the invention of language, have played a previously unexamined role in defining our species. Exploring a surprising range of creative endeavors-the instinct to create gardens, the use of metaphors and irony in speech, the power of music and song- Wilson proposes a transformational "Third Enlightenment" in which the blending of science and humanities will enable a deeper understanding of the human condition and how it ultimately originated.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781501963834

Edward O Wilson

Edward O. Wilson (1929-2021) va ser un dels biòlegs i naturalistes més importants del món. La seva especialitat va ser la mirmecologia, l'estudi de les formigues. Guanyador en dues ocasions del premi Pulitzer de no ficció, Wilson és molt conegut pel seu paper com a pare de la sociobiologia, la defensa del medi ambient i la postura secular i humanista. Entre els múltiples guardons que va obtenir destaquen el premi Crafoord, equivalent al Nobel de Biologia. Wilson va ser també catedràtic emèrit de la Universitat de Harvard.

Reviews for The Origins of Creativity

[Ahmed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a good book with good questions asked, and I am a fan of Edward Wilson writings. However, there were parts that wasn’t smooth in transition and made me a bit confused that I had to go back and clarify how it joins together

[castlelass · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entomologist Edward O. Wilson examines the relationship between the humanities and the sciences. He traces the origins of human creativity, which he defines as “the innate quest for originality,” back one hundred thousand years. Wilson proposes that humankind needs “a third enlightenment,” a new philosophy that unites arts and sciences to achieve a more meaningful existence. The book begins with history – the development of language, abstract thinking, intelligence, and cooperation. He explains the factors that allowed homo sapiens to thrive. He then moves into some of the challenges faced by the separate branches of humanities and sciences, before moving into his final argument of the need for a combined approach.

This book reads like a script for a documentary. The scientific sections may be dry for those without a keen interest. Wilson occasionally ventures off topic, but these diversions expanded my knowledge. He includes appealing anecdotes on literary works, metaphors, archetypes, music, great films, and the natural world. “The grail to be sought is the nature of consciousness, and how it originated.”

Wilson introduces a number of thought-provoking questions, but I do not think his intent is to provide all the answers. In fact, he suggests we do not yet have the answers and that by combining forces, in the humanities and the sciences, we can leap forward, breaking through current barriers and advancing civilization. Definitely worth the time.

[jbd1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always enjoy Wilson's writing; even when I don't necessarily buy every implication of his argument, it's neat to see how his mind works and the interesting connections he draws.

[paul9the9well9read · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As with other Wilson contributions, this was a good book, a thought provoking exposition in the need for the Humanities.
The last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the regard people hold for Science and Technology. Booth together and individually, they command the lion’s share of grant funding and of university budgets (of course, athletics get a lot of money, too). The Humanities see budget cuts, dwindling university interest and even elimination from university course offerings. Wilson argues that this is a catastrophe waiting to happen. The Humanities enrich our lives offering beauty and insights Science cannot hope to offer. They are also the vehicle through which the Sciences convey meaning and purpose for the discoveries and innovations they bring.
Like “In Defense of a Liberal Education” and, to some extent, “Sapiens,” Wilson posits that the Humanities actually provide the lifeblood and foundation for Science. It is through the Humanities that we learn our values and morals, the values and morals absolutely necessary to both enrich and restrain Science.
Wilson has produced many powerful and insightful books. His strength is his ability to make even the most obtuse and difficult concepts and principles accessible to the lay reader.
It is wonderful to note, additionally, that this book was published in 2017 when Wilson was 88 years old. His great mind had lost none of its capacity to elevate readers to new levels of understanding and perception.