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srmechs
Jun 22, 2013srmechs rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
– Fewer than 10 species have developed eusociality. Only humans have managed to balance the negative and positive pressures to achieve civilization and advance as far as we have. If the altruistic tendencies had dominated, according to Wilson, we would have become like ants. If the individualistic tendencies had dominated, we would have torn any attempt at uniting apart long ago. It’s a fascinating book. Wilson takes time at the end to put down all religion, perhaps a bit more than necessary. I can understand his position easily, but he overlooks the human ability (perhaps even need) to accept discordance and mystery. I’m tempted to write to him and explain how lifetime skepticism could bring me to a religious vocation and keep me here for 50 years. Maybe it’s just fear (I’m not especially courageous), but perhaps not