The meaning of human existence

How did humanity originate, and what distinguishes our species on this planet? Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist Edward O. Wilson explores these existential questions in his most philosophical work to date. He examines what makes humans unique, bridging science and philosophy to create a contemporary treatise on human existence, from our origins to the future of mankind. Building on his previous work regarding the "Anthropocene Epoch," Wilson argues that we now possess enough understanding of the universe and ourselves to systematically approach our place in the cosmos and the meaning of intelligent life. Once criticized for a mechanistic view and overreliance on genetic determinism, Wilson presents advanced theories on the sovereignty of human life, emphasizing the profound differences between human creativity and animal instinct. He tackles topics such as "The Riddle of the Human Species," "Free Will," and "Religion," while warning of "The Collapse of Biodiversity." Wilson believes humanity occupies a special position in the universe, with our epoch—rooted in biological evolution—now firmly in our hands. However, he expresses concern that our advances in science and technology may lead us to abandon natural selection, presenting a significant moral dilemma.