In describing the role the uncommon feature of eusociality played in human evolution, and the unique way human ancestors adapted this feature, Wilson seems to describe the evolutionary causes of what I think many would describe as the human condition. For instance, consider the following which Wilson provides as a succinct explanation of the 2 major opposing forces that played such a uniquely influential role in shaping human evolution (page 20 of my book):
That distinction of course relates to what many would describe--absurdly equivocally in my opinion--as "moral goodness" and "evil". The scientific explanation for this prevalent conflict in humans that instead of pinning some humans against other humans actually pins each human against him or herself. We can thus say, using poetically simplified terms whose true meaning is backed by solid science, that the line between good and evil is drawn between the heart of every man. That latter maxim is something I have believed for a long time. I think Wilson does an excellent job clearly explaining the scientific reason for that inherent quality in humanity. And where there is reason there is a type of meaning, hence the title of the book. What do you think?Edward O. Wilson wrote:Within groups selfish individuals beat altruistic individuals, but groups of altruists beat groups of selfish individuals.