Wilson, a noted biologist, winner of two Pulitzer Prizes and author of over 20 books, explains why social organization was the evolutionary step that led to human (and ant) dominance in the biosphere. It is a profound but quite readable discussion of the effects of evolution by natural selection not only on individuals but on cooperating groups to produce what we think of as “human civilization”, a delicate balance between individual competitiveness and altruism toward the “tribe”.
This book is important not only for a better understanding of the subtleties of evolution, but because it explores the role of tribalism in the evolution of human society. Those who hope somehow to end war and violence need to better understand how deeply tribalism is rooted in the human psyche, the same tribalism that has fueled ethnic, religious and political conflict throughout history.
Posts
