Title
The Meaning of Human Existence,New
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National Book Award Finalist. How did humanity originate and why does a species like ours exist on this planet? Do we have a special place, even a destiny in the universe? Where are we going, and perhaps, the most difficult question of all, 'Why?' In The Meaning of Human Existence, his most philosophical work to date, Pulitzer Prizewinning biologist Edward O. Wilson grapples with these and other existential questions, examining what makes human beings supremely different from all other species. Searching for meaning in what Nietzsche once called 'the rainbow colors' around the outer edges of knowledge and imagination, Wilson takes his readers on a journey, in the process bridging science and philosophy to create a twentyfirstcentury treatise on human existencefrom our earliest inception to a provocative look at what the future of mankind portends.Continuing his groundbreaking examination of our 'Anthropocene Epoch,' which he began with The Social Conquest of Earth, described by the New York Times as 'a sweeping account of the human rise to domination of the biosphere,' here Wilson posits that we, as a species, now know enough about the universe and ourselves that we can begin to approach questions about our place in the cosmos and the meaning of intelligent life in a systematic, indeed, in a testable way.Once criticized for a purely mechanistic view of human life and an overreliance on genetic predetermination, Wilson presents in The Meaning of Human Existence his most expansive and advanced theories on the sovereignty of human life, recognizing that, even though the human and the spider evolved similarly, the poet's sonnet is wholly different from the spider's web. Whether attempting to explicate 'The Riddle of the Human Species,' 'Free Will,' or 'Religion'; warning of 'The Collapse of Biodiversity'; or even creating a plausible 'Portrait of E.T.,' Wilson does indeed believe that humanity holds a special position in the known universe.The human epoch that began in biological evolution and passed into pre, then recorded, history is now more than ever before in our hands. Yet alarmed that we are about to abandon natural selection by redesigning biology and human nature as we wish them, Wilson soberly concludes that advances in science and technology bring us our greatest moral dilemma since God stayed the hand of Abraham.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'The Meaning of Human Existence'? A: 'The Meaning of Human Existence' explores humanity's origins, purpose, and place in the universe, delving into existential questions through a scientific and philosophical lens.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of 'The Meaning of Human Existence' is Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist Edward O. Wilson.
- Q: When was the book published? A: 'The Meaning of Human Existence' was published on October 6, 2014.
- Q: What is the book's format? A: The book is available in hardcover format.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: 'The Meaning of Human Existence' contains 208 pages.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book is classified under the 'Reference' category, making it suitable for academic study and research.
- Q: Does the book cover any contemporary issues? A: Yes, the book addresses contemporary issues such as the Anthropocene Epoch, biodiversity, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements.
- Q: What kind of questions does Edward O. Wilson address in the book? A: Wilson addresses profound questions about human existence, including free will, religion, and the future of humanity.
- Q: Is the book suitable for general readers? A: While it contains complex themes, 'The Meaning of Human Existence' is written for a general audience interested in philosophy and science.
- Q: What makes this book different from Wilson's previous works? A: 'The Meaning of Human Existence' is considered Wilson's most philosophical work, bridging science and philosophy in a unique exploration of human life.