By John Davis
Special to THE DAILY

Who in this country does not have an opinion on evolution? PTA committees contend over it; states legislate about it.

There are extremes in all points of view, from the absolute creationists who believe God made the world in six calendar days, to evolutionists who insist Darwin answers everything.

Consider then, David Sloan Wilson, a biologist who can tell a story. Wilson, who teaches biology and anthropology at Binghamton University, one of America’s top 50 public universities, maintains this is a battle that need not be fought.

Written for everyone

Wilson is nothing if not remarkable. While he has written a book for, quite literally, everyone, his arguments would do the academic world proud.

He clearly can see that evolution has brought about change to biological species, but then
he goes a step further to maintain that we can indeed be
seen as evolving in groups as well.

Evolution, therefore, is not only where we humans came from, but why we do what we do. Why do we laugh, enjoy a sunset, make political arrangements?

Is there nothing in this well-argued book that cannot ultimately be linked back to evolution?

And more, evolution can tell us why the animals, insects (cannibalistic, strange and bizarre creatures that they can be), birds, and all manner of wildlife act the way they do.

You will never think of the birds and the bees the same way again, once you’ve had time to reflect upon this finely crafted work.

Crafted indeed! Wilson can keep you turning pages for the hours you will spend with him, spinning endless anecdotes about the natural world that will astonish you.

In more ways than one, you will find yourself unable to wait to tell your acquaintances the remarkable tales you learned here.

Oh, and did I mention? He has kind things to say about religion, and that the twain, evolution and religion, can meet. Read this book and learn how.

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