This View of Life

Completing the Darwinian Revolution

By: David Sloan Wilson

Narrated by: René Ruiz

It is widely understood that Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution completely revolutionized the study of biology. Yet, according to David Sloan Wilson, the Darwinian revolution won’t be truly complete until it is applied more broadly—to everything associated with the words “human,” “culture,” and “policy.”

In a series of engaging and insightful examples—from the breeding of hens to the timing of cataract surgeries to the organization of an automobile plant—Wilson shows how an evolutionary worldview provides a practical tool kit for understanding not only genetic evolution but also the fast-paced changes that are having an impact on our world and ourselves. What emerges is an incredibly empowering argument: If we can become wise managers of evolutionary processes, we can solve the problems of our age at all scales—from the efficacy of our groups to our well-being as individuals to our stewardship of the planet Earth.

One of the best books of the year.

I bought this book without reading the description, because of the authors other books.

I listen to a lot of audiobooks, ~2 per week. This was one of the best I’ve listened to all year. Already recommended it to two friends who agree.

A Wild Ride Through History and Theory

This book was fascinating! A wild ride through the history of evolutionary theory. A truly honest and grounded book with wide implications.

Excellent introduction to evolutionary biology

Davis Sloan Wilson gives us a very good and accessible introduction to modern evolutionary biology, and the theory of multilevel selection. It provides a deep and radical framework for thinking about how we as individuals fit in to groups, families and successively larger social organization. It also shows why neither the invisible hand, nor socialist central planning works. We have to build on the foundation that Darwin laid, which had nothing to do with "social Darwinism", Ayn Rand B.S. or "greed is good".

Great book! I've started recommending it a lot!

Great book. Many new and cool insights and connections. it's a minor shift in perspective, but it's amazing how well these ideas fit.

Evolution and the way forward

This is a very solid update on evolutionary psychology and how civilization may survive. The author is one of the pioneers of evolutionary thinking, and he has very sincere thoughts on how humans can live together based upon our pro social orientation.