I have been steeped in Darwin all my life and the concept of descent with modification is ingrained in me and takes on the mantle of gospel truth. Nothing in this book changes that perspective, and a Darwinian "tree" (a vertical perspective) still forms an unassailable concept. What Mindell presents here is a new and expanding view of evolution by examining horizontal evolution and its implications for life on Earth in a time of rapid change and imminent extinction of species. Climate change, ocean acidification and warming, habitat loss and other well known factors are spurring evolution, and we are coevolving with technology that is ever more dominant in our lives, in ways undreamed of mere years ago.
I am quite sure that Darwin, were he alive today, would embrace this added view of evolution and would be foremost in its supporters.
The changes that are occurring all around us have implications for human health, (SARS and COVID are stark reminders of deadly and rapidly evolving viruses) and a partnership with technology will be essential for future success. Artificial intelligence, with all its potential pitfalls, will become ever more powerful and will affect every aspect of human existence. Like it or not, for better or for worse, Pandora's box has been opened and the lid can no longer be closed. More discussion around the ethics of technology are necessary and one can only hope than they will occur sooner rather than later.
Mindell devotes his entire final chapter to "Future Humans" and there is much to applaud from a horizontal integration with technology, yet deep concerns are valid too. As he says, "Knowledge and technology as our cultural inheritance provide the final example, focused on humans, of the important role of horizontal evolution in life's evolution." One wonders what the evolutionary biologist will look like even ten short years from now.
The book is beautifully written and thought-provoking in myriad ways.
I am about to start reading it again!
The Network of Life: A New View of Evolution - Princeton University Press
David P. Mindell
Hardcover - US$27.95 - ISBN: 9780691228778
272 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)
36 black-and-white illustrations - 14 tables
Publication date: 04 June, 2024
That sounds fascinating. albeit more than a little frightening. Ethics? Sometimes I wonder whether our species has much of that precious commodity.
ReplyDeleteYou have good reason to wonder, Sue. And to think I once studied ethics and values!
Delete...some of us evolv and some refuse to!
ReplyDeleteI can think of a few who are evolving in reverse!
DeleteI like this idea of horizontal evolution. I think evolution is and its genetic connection is one of my favorite parts of biology. And you are right about Pandora's box being opened. It's scary what all this technology might cause, but also exciting. I hope you have a great weekend, and thanks for this book review. hugs-erika
ReplyDeleteI truly believe there should be a sub-human species, there are quite a few I would classify as subs.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds like a great read. I too have read a lot about Darwin.
XO
WWW
It sounds like a really education and interesting book. While modern technology boosts productivity and many other incredible benefits, but there can be too much of a good thing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for introducing us another great book, David.
ReplyDeleteSounds a good read, makes us think a lot more as to what is happening in this world.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's a very interesting book, David. Before, all development went so slowly and over thousands of years, but now everything goes so very fast. I am alarmed by the development of everything from diseases to new technology that is put into use without thinking about the consequences. The weather and climate change as well. Development cannot be stopped, so we can only hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
Hope is pretty much all we have left, Marit. Hugs and kisses - David
DeleteI find it a bit frightening how quickly climate change is happening.
ReplyDeleteIt is people's fault, so they must also provide solutions.
Greetings Irma
A good book for the government 'members worldwide...
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend !
Anna
Ah, but politicians seem only to work in their self-interest, as do Supreme Court justices, too.
DeleteKiitos postauksesta David.
ReplyDeleteExcellent presentation of the book,
ReplyDeletewhich looks interesting.
Moral, very big debate these days..
I'm not optimistic, but maybe something will change!!
Thanks for the topic,
we need to discuss such topics!!
Excellent presentation of the book,
ReplyDeletewhich looks interesting.
Moral, very big debate these days..
I'm not optimistic, but maybe something will change!!
Thanks for the topic,
we need to discuss such topics!!
Artificial intelligence is here to stay but even those who have developed it are cautioning against its abuse.
DeleteSounds good to read. I never read something of Darwin. Have a nice weekend !
ReplyDeleteA naturalist who has never read Darwin? Time to rectify that, Caroline!
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this book and your review. I agree Pandora's box is opened and it can not be closed. Changes are happening fast, maybe too fast. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Your review illustrates some wonderful new ideas about what evolution could mean. One amazing feature of our crazed society is the presence of influential people who claim that (in whatever sense) evolution never happened — and they refuse much of modern medicine too, especially vaccines against emerging diseases. No diseases can emerge, in their world. And the areas where they live have much higher mortality from the emerging diseases, which is hard not to gloat about.
ReplyDeletebest,mae at maefood.blogspot.com
It always amazes me that those who deny science do so using devices that are a result of science, and drive their cars with backup cameras, fuel injection, electronic assistance, chat on their smart phone, use GPS and so on. Yet vaccines, proven historically time and again, are anathema to them. I never imagined that conspiracy theories could become mainstream thought, even prompted by people seeking to lead nations.
DeleteI've been meaning, and forgetting, to say I like very much your acknowledgement of the peoples who lived on this land before we drove them out. I keep meaning to do a similar acknowledgement on my own blog, since I live on Lenni Lenape land.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI just hope that people will wake up before it s too late! Hugs xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteMore knowledge to ponder, sounds good!
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing another important book to our attention.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure.
DeleteUn libro apasionante, de esos que no puedes dejar de leerlo, hasta llegar al final.
ReplyDeleteFeliz domingo.
Many thanks for this book review David.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Great review. How Darwin would embrace these ideas, is very interesting. I agree on the need to ethically debate the impact of technology on our future evolution; these r times of rapid change.
ReplyDeleteHave a good night! *ੈ✩‧₊˚
So many books! My TBR pile is already out of control. Hope all is well. SM
ReplyDeleteSeguro que el libro es muy interesante , me gustaría leerlo . Mil besos.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds intriguing and very thought-provoking, David. Your review is filled with insight and perspective that makes it all the more appealing.
ReplyDeleteWhat would Darwin say about life on other planets? Would his imagination run wild?
ReplyDeleteDarwin was motivated by evidence and I doubt that he would have speculated about extra-terrestrial life. Certainly in all his published work there is not even a hint of it.
DeleteChanges are inevitable.
ReplyDeleteAll change is not good, however.
DeleteHow interesting and fascinating! I stumbled over the word "ethics" though - I often wonder whether they still have any importance in our society that seems to have deteriorated so rapidly. Your book reviews are always very interesting, David, and let me choose books that I wouldn't have thought they would ever be on my pile! Thank you for that. Hugs - Carola
ReplyDelete