What is the biological reason for gossip?

For laughter? For the creation of art?

Why do dogs have curly tails?

What can microbes tell us about morality?

These and many other questions are tackled by renowned evolutionist David Sloan Wilson in this witty and groundbreaking new book. With stories that entertain as much as they inform, Wilson outlines the basic principles of evolution and shows how, properly understood, they can illuminate the length and breadth of creation, from the origin of life to the nature of religion. Now everyone can move beyond the sterile debates about creationism and intelligent design to share Darwin’s panoramic view of animal and human life, seamlessly connected to each other.

Evolution, as Wilson explains, is not just about dinosaurs and human origins, but about why all species behave as they do—from beetles that devour their own young, to bees that function as a collective brain, to dogs that are smarter in some respects than our closest ape relatives. And basic evolutionary principles are also the foundation for humanity’s capacity for symbolic thought, culture, and morality.

In example after example, Wilson sheds new light on Darwin’s grand theory and how it can be applied to daily life. By turns thoughtful, provocative, and daringly funny, Evolution for Everyone addresses some of the deepest philosophical and social issues of this or any age. In helping us come to a deeper understanding of human beings and our place in the world, it might also help us to improve that world.

From the Hardcover edition.

戴维•斯隆•威尔逊

美国著名进化生物学家，宾厄姆顿大学生物学与人类学教授。

和同行在宾厄姆大学创立EVOS进化研究项目，并开设一门课程《每个人的进化论》，涉及不同学科，包括生物学，人类学，心理学，生物工程，哲学，宗教和宗教心理学，颇受好评。

著有《达尔文大教堂：演化、宗教和社会本质》，是《施与：无私行为的演化发展与心理学》的共同作者，同事参与《文学动物：演化与叙事本质》的编辑工作。