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The Social Conquest of Earth Audiobook
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(3.02) - 582 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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
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"A very good book, quite thought provoking. I especially found the last quarter of the book most meaningful as he talked about religion and the creative drive of humanity. He saw a connection between the creative impulse and science. They both have their beginning in the imagination, creating a picture in the mind of what can be and then making it happen. The author has no use for religion. In evolutionary terms, it has outlived its usefulness. Religion only reinforces ignorance and bigotry. I guess I would disagree with him on that point, but I still found the book interesting and challenging."
— Goodson (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Religion. Sports. War. Biologist E. O. Wilson says our drive to join a group—and to fight for it—is what makes us human.”
— Newsweek -
“Wilson’s examples of insect eusociality are dazzling…There are obvious parallels with human practices like war and agriculture, but Wilson is also sensitive to the differences…This book offers a detailed reconstruction of what we know about the evolutionary histories of these two very different conquerors. Wilson’s careful and clear analysis reminds us that scientific accounts of our origins aren’t just more accurate than religious stories; they are also a lot more interesting.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“A sweeping argument about the biological origins of complex human culture. It is full of both virtuosity and raw, abrupt assertions that are nonetheless well-crafted and captivating…It is fascinating to see such a distinguished scientist optimistic about the future.”
— Wall Street Journal -
“The Social Conquest of the Earth has set off a scientific furor…The controversy is fueled by a larger debate about the evolution of altruism. Can true altruism even exist? Is generosity a sustainable trait? Or are living things inherently selfish, our kindness nothing but a mask? This is science with existential stakes.”
— New Yorker
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A Kirkus Reviews “New and Notable Title”, April 2012
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A 2012 Kirkus Reviews Top 25 Book for Nonfiction
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A 2012 Booklist Editors’ Choice Selection for Nonfiction: Science
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A 2012 Washington Post Notable Book for Nonfiction
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One of the 2012 New York Times Book Review 100 Notable Books for Nonfiction
The Social Conquest of Earth Listener Reviews
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" I enjoy the quick summation of human evolution, migration and culture but the constant references to the insect world for analogies began to grate and bore me. "
— H, 2/16/2014 -
" Provides interesting insights into human nature based on evolutionary biology. Yet discards certain viewpoints with little evidence. Too focused on evolutionary biology. "
— Jerry, 1/30/2014 -
" I skipped the chapters focused on insects and such. This was an engaging yet informative epic of humankind's biological and cultural evolution into the supreme species of earth. At times, I felt as if I were reading a legendary tale--specifically, it reminded me of JRR Tolkien's "The Silmarillion". Very entertaining. "
— Zachary, 1/10/2014 -
" A couple of chapters can be skipped, unless you are really into details on insect colonies, but the over overall perspective of social evolution is amazing. "
— George, 1/10/2014 -
" This book could have spent less time on insects and more on human sociality. I felt that discussion and link between the two was very disconnected and left the book without a strong narrative. Parts of the book also felt very speculative theories rather than a work on scientific theories. The author was very self-referential, though perhaps considering his expertise and this being his book that is not the most terrible thing. "
— Alex, 1/6/2014 -
" I really enjoyed the beginning, then I got kind of bogged down in the content about ants, then it seemed to get a little redundant. "
— Andrea, 1/4/2014 -
" I really enjoy all the parts about uesocial insects, but when Wilson ties this into human social development it becomes weak. "
— Virginia, 12/28/2013 -
" Wilson is brilliant - the modern day Darwin. Will be remembered forever in history for his encouragement of consilience between the various sciences. This book provides a great overview of where evolutionary psychology is in 2012. "
— Kevin, 12/22/2013 -
" Great for evolutionists and natural history buffs. Well-written with lots of new information about early (and not-so-distant) humanity. "
— Diedre, 10/25/2013 -
" Calling sports "the moral equivalent of war" makes me wonder if Mr. Wilson hasn't been in the ivory tower a bit too long. However, it was an moderately interesting read. "
— Brad, 10/19/2013 -
" Fantastic summary of Wilson's theory of social evolution; helps explain why/that/how humans are dual-natured. "
— Stan, 9/2/2013 -
" The authors understanding of who we are, where we came from, and where we're going has the ring of truth that will resound for decades leading the way. Parts of the book are a tough read, parts brilliantly clear. What an intelligent guy. "
— G0rd0, 6/9/2013 -
" I listened to this book and when I reached the end I went back and listened to it again. When an expert on the evolution of man, animals, and social insects sets out to write about who we are and where we headed as social beings, it is definitely worth listening. "
— Sue, 2/24/2013 -
" It was provocative, but extremely difficult to read, overly simplistic at some parts and overly complicated in others. Better to read Jonah Lehrer's summary in the March 5 issue of the New Yorker. "
— Andrea, 6/27/2012 -
" Scattered, and full of basic evolutionary beginnings of the planet and life. "
— Anonymole, 4/23/2012 -
" One of the most (in)formative books of the past several years of my life. "
— Mac, 4/18/2012
About Edward O. Wilson
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, he was a professor emeritus at Harvard University.
About Jonathan Hogan
Jonathan Hogan is a stage, television, and film actor. He has appeared in several episodes of Law & Order, as well as One Life to Live, As the World Turns, and Ryan’s Hope. In 1985 his performance in the play As Is earned him a Tony Award nomination.