It is widely understood that Charles Darwinโs theory of evolution completely revolutionized the study of biology. Yet, according to David Sloan Wilson, the Darwinian revolution wonโt be truly complete until it is applied more broadlyโto everything associated with the words โhuman,โ โculture,โ and โpolicy.โ
In a series of engaging and insightful examplesโfrom the breeding of hens to the timing of cataract surgeries to the organization of an automobile plantโWilson shows how an evolutionary worldview provides a practical tool kit for understanding not only genetic evolution but also the fast-paced changes that are having an impact on our world and ourselves. What emerges is an incredibly empowering argument: If we can become wise managers of evolutionary processes, we can solve the problems of our age at all scalesโfrom the efficacy of our groups to our well-being as individuals to our stewardship of the planet Earth.