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

“Humanity emerged on its own, through a series of successive events during evolution. We are not preordained to fulfill any purpose; nor do we owe an explanation to any power beyond ourselves. Only wisdom grounded in self-awareness will save us, not piety. There will be no redemption or second chance granted 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 to unfold.”

“There is no bottomless mystery of life. Demons and gods do not claim our devotion. On the contrary, we are self-made, 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 greater independence of thought than is currently tolerated even in our most advanced democratic societies.”

“The progress of science and technology leads us to the maximum of ethical dilemmas since the Lord's angel stayed Abraham's hand: to what extent should we reshape the human genotype. [...] We are close to abandoning natural selection, the process that created us, to direct our own evolution through intentional selection — 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 owe it to ourselves to 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'll see the beauty, mystery, and potentials of human existence through the eyes of one of the most important and fearless explorers.” — Jeffrey Sachs, Professor of Sustainable Development, Columbia University

“...He presents us with an inspired and convincing vision for the future, not an easily dismissible feat. [...] Wilson is a passionate optimist and a tough-minded realist. What more could you ask for in a prophet?” — John Horgan, Scientific American

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

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

“A farewell work. [...] Wilson rises above the crowd of biologist writers, much like John le Carré surpasses spy novelists. He is wise, profound, cunning, brilliant, and 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 Internal Conflict

THE UNITY OF KNOWLEDGE

4. The New Enlightenment

5. The Huge Importance of the Humanities

6. The Force Driving Social Evolution

OTHER WORLDS

7. Humanity Lost in a World of Pheromones

8. The 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