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A review by naum
Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives by David Sloan Wilson
5.0
How discovered/stumbled upon? Twitter (@dkorten) recommendation from author David Korten…
What media type? Read on my Kindle, but to my chagrin, noted that it is also available on the shelf of the local library down the street!
What is the book about? Evolution, not so much in hard core science sense, although there are some chapters devoted to such experiments, but jargon is toned down for a universal audience, and appeal is made that evolution should be broadly applied, and not just confined to the biology domain. 36 chapters, after a gentle introduction, tilt from specific path carving experiments to general queries on religion, morals, human nature.
Is it a easy / medium / difficult read? The author employs a very accommodating writing style that is luring to the reader, very soulfully open in style, and is able to express concepts and ideas concisely, economically and succinctly. The book was a joy to read and after completing, felt a big letdown, where normally, even in books I enjoy and savor, feel relieved and satiated after completion.
What are the takeaways author wishes to plant within the reader? That anyone can "roll up their sleeves" (a phrase used repeatedly) and do science and become an "evolutionary" thinker. That evolution just doesn't apply to biology and even science departments but has implications and applications in every realm, from the lowest life forms to human psychology.
Is the author successful in making his case / winning his reader appeal? For the most part -- I would not state 100% as I question some of the material, but definitely, he was successful in stoking my interest in the topic and encouraging a follow through read.
Sources author relies upon? Students, inspired by his teaching (or "used" books procured) who devoted time to their own experiments and studies, "dilettante" (from non-academia) and professional colleagues that spiked his interest, EO Wilson who was a lifelong mentor, his Dad, but the work seems independent and not based on any narrow band of volumes. Author has several previous books I am unfamiliar with.
Recommended follow-up points: I bookmarked a few sites mentioned (EvOS) and just ordered *The Literary Animal* from amazon. May take a gander on the psychology recommended titles (do not have the book in front of me now).
What media type? Read on my Kindle, but to my chagrin, noted that it is also available on the shelf of the local library down the street!
What is the book about? Evolution, not so much in hard core science sense, although there are some chapters devoted to such experiments, but jargon is toned down for a universal audience, and appeal is made that evolution should be broadly applied, and not just confined to the biology domain. 36 chapters, after a gentle introduction, tilt from specific path carving experiments to general queries on religion, morals, human nature.
Is it a easy / medium / difficult read? The author employs a very accommodating writing style that is luring to the reader, very soulfully open in style, and is able to express concepts and ideas concisely, economically and succinctly. The book was a joy to read and after completing, felt a big letdown, where normally, even in books I enjoy and savor, feel relieved and satiated after completion.
What are the takeaways author wishes to plant within the reader? That anyone can "roll up their sleeves" (a phrase used repeatedly) and do science and become an "evolutionary" thinker. That evolution just doesn't apply to biology and even science departments but has implications and applications in every realm, from the lowest life forms to human psychology.
Is the author successful in making his case / winning his reader appeal? For the most part -- I would not state 100% as I question some of the material, but definitely, he was successful in stoking my interest in the topic and encouraging a follow through read.
Sources author relies upon? Students, inspired by his teaching (or "used" books procured) who devoted time to their own experiments and studies, "dilettante" (from non-academia) and professional colleagues that spiked his interest, EO Wilson who was a lifelong mentor, his Dad, but the work seems independent and not based on any narrow band of volumes. Author has several previous books I am unfamiliar with.
Recommended follow-up points: I bookmarked a few sites mentioned (EvOS) and just ordered *The Literary Animal* from amazon. May take a gander on the psychology recommended titles (do not have the book in front of me now).