The Meaning of Human Existence

Wilson (The Social Conquest of Earth) tackles that most intriguing and difficult of questions—the meaning of human existence—with uneven results. On the positive side, the author shows an almost childlike joy in describing the teeming diversity of the biological and physiographical makeup of our universe. This joy is infectious. His optimism for the bright future that science and technology will champion is equally heartening. However, while Wilson is an intelligent commentator on the natural sciences, his musings on theology and philosophy are pedestrian. According to the author, religion is nothing more than tribalism run amok, and the mystery of consciousness will be solved once neuroscientists meticulously map the brain. The arguments on offer for these views are drawn from his biology toolkit. Unfortunately, the evidence he marshals in defense doesn't warrant the conclusions he promotes. These shortcomings aside, Wilson calls for solidarity between the sciences and the humanities, which is a lofty and worthwhile goal. The voice work of Jonathan Hogan is solid as he capably conveys the optimism of the author. The book is by turns absorbing and contentious. It is interesting when Wilson sticks to the science he is clearly expert at—his insight into the behavior of ant colonies is particularly intriguing—but he invites controversy when delving into other fields of study.