The Meaning of Evolution: A Study of the History of Life and of Its Significance for Man, Revised Edition

A world-famous scientist answers the fundamental questions concerning the changes in the course of the history of life and considers human aims, values, and duties in the light of the nature of man and his place in the history of life. "The clearest and soundest exposition of the meaning of evolution that has yet been written."—Ashley Montagu, __Isis__ A world-famous scientist presents a synthesis of modern views on the principles of evolution. The result of twenty-five years of research, "The Meaning of Evolution" follows the rise and fall of the dynasties of life through the 2,000,000,000 years of the history of earth. It explains what forces have been acting to bring about evolution and re-examines human aims, values, and duties in the light of what science discloses of the nature of man and of his place in the history of life. "The clearest and soundest exposition of the nature of the evolutionary process that has yet been written. ... The book may be read with equal profit and pleasure by the general reader, the student, and the expert."--Ashley Montagu, Isis "This book is, without question, the best general work on the meaning of evolution to appear in our time."-Annotation Published 2017

A world-famous scientist answers the fundamental questions concerning the changes in the course of the history of life and considers human aims, values, and duties in the light of the nature of man and his place in the history of life.

"The clearest and soundest exposition of the meaning of evolution that has yet been written." - Ashley Montagu, Isis

Prefatory Note to First Edition 5 Preface to Second Edition 7 CONTENTS 11 ILLUSTRATIONS 13 PROLOGUE 17 PART ONE. The Course of Evolution 25 PART TWO. The Interpretation of Evolution 139 PART THREE. Evolution, Humanity, and Ethics 297 EPILOGUE AND SUMMARY 355 INDEX 367