logo

33 pages 1 hour read

On Human Nature

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1978

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Edward O. Wilson

On Human Nature

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1978
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1978

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1510L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In On Human Nature, Edward O. Wilson explores how genetics and evolution shape human behavior and cultural practices, proposing that many aspects of human nature, including morality, aggression, and altruism, are biologically determined. Across nine chapters, Wilson examines the interplay between genetic inheritance, development, sexual dimorphism, and cultural evolution, ultimately questioning how humanity will leverage scientific understanding to influence its own future. The book discusses sensitive topics such as eugenics, biological materialism, and genetic determinism.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,738 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Edward O. Wilson's On Human Nature offers a thought-provoking exploration of sociobiology, praised for its insightful arguments and accessible prose. Critics commend Wilson's interdisciplinary approach, merging biology with humanities. However, some find his deterministic views overly reductive. Overall, the book is lauded for sparking intellectual discourse.

Who should read this

Who Should Read On Human Nature?

A suitable reader for Edward O. Wilson's On Human Nature is anyone fascinated by the intersection of biology, behavior, and culture. Fans of The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins and Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari would enjoy Wilson's scientific exploration of human evolution and nature.

4.3

3,738 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1978

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1510L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.