How did the human species come to be, and why does it survive on a planet like ours? Do we occupy a special place in the Universe, and is our destiny to exist within it? Where are we headed as a species and, perhaps the most difficult question of all, why?

“Humanity appeared on its own, through a series of overlapping events during evolution. We are not predetermined to fulfill any purpose; nor do we have to answer to any power beyond ourselves. Only wisdom based on self-awareness can save us, not piety. There will be no redemption or second chance given to us from above. [...] It is foolish to consider our planet a temporary stop on the way to a better world. This is the only one we have to inhabit, and this meaning we must unfold. [...]”

“There is no bottomless mystery of life. Demons and gods do not claim our allegiance. On the contrary, we are self-created, independent, alone, and fragile; a biological species adapted to live in a biological world. What matters for our long-term survival is intelligent self-awareness, based on a greater independence of thought than is tolerated today even in our most advanced democratic societies. [...]”

“The progress of science and technology leads us to the utmost moral dilemmas since the angel of the Lord stayed the hand of Abraham: to what extent should we modify the human genotype. [...] We are close to abandoning natural selection—the process that created us—to direct our own evolution through conscious choice—the process of redesigning our biology and human nature as we would like it to be. [...]”

The book is a heartfelt testament from one of the greatest biological thinkers of our time. We all must read it.

What they said about the book:

“E.O. Wilson is the great successor to Darwin, a scientist of great vision, depth, experience, and intelligence, who offers us a new understanding of human nature. [...] In his new book, you will see the beauty, mystery, and possibilities of human existence through the eyes of one of the most significant and fearless explorers.” — Jeffrey Sachs, professor of sustainable development, Columbia University

“...He presents us with an inspired and compelling vision for the future, not an accomplishment that easily flies by. [...] Wilson is a passionate optimist and a tough-minded realist. What more can you expect from a prophet?” — John Horgan, Scientific American

“...A provocative and well-written collection of essays.” — Tim Lenton, Nature

“...We owe gratitude to Wilson, who still appeals to reason and imagination in hopes of enlightening us about our nature and encouraging us to change our destructive course. [...]” — The Washington Post

“A farewell work. [...] Wilson stands above the crowd of biological authors, just as John le Carré transcends spy novelists. He is wise, profound, cunning, brilliant, ambiguous. [...]” — The New York Times

The contents of the book:

THE REASON WE EXIST
1. The Meaning of Meaning
2. Solving the Enigma of the Human Species
3. Evolution and Our Inner Conflict

THE UNITY OF KNOWLEDGE
4. The New Enlightenment
5. The Vast Importance of the Humanities
6. The Force Driving Social Evolution

OTHER WORLDS
7. Humanity Lost in a World of Pheromones
8. Superorganisms
9. Why Microbes Rule the Galaxy
10. A Portrait of E.T.
11. The Collapse of Biodiversity

IDOLS OF THE MIND
12. Instinct
13. Religion
14. Free Will

A HUMAN FUTURE
15. Alone and Free in the Universe