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The Secrets of Life #4
So What Does It All Mean?
Why are humans neither 'good' nor 'bad'? How can so much chaos and confusion in the world actually lead to order? Why are we so often wrong when we're asked if the world's getting better?
In this, the last book in The Secrets of Life quartet, SS O'Connor pulls together the threads of genetic and cultural evolution, and then adds to these the conclusions of evolutionary game theory. As he does this, he ends with an intertwined narrative that explains why so many of the phenomena of our existence may not be the mysteries we think they are, but could in fact have the same underlying logic to them.
By examining the great currents at work in our collective story, the role that competition and cooperation have always played in the development of the world, and why each behavioural strategy is rational in what it's attempting to achieve, the book shows that the same cycles of collaboration and destruction have been present since time began.
But while the success of these strategies may ebb and flow, it is their interaction that results in the balance and order we see around us. This current is also the consistent vector of our human history.
Although we may have animal origins, and are also driven by the same need to respond to the profound Laws of Thermodynamics, we have developed our culture to the point where we can now choose to overrule so many of the instructions of our genes.
Why do we do this? What are the problems that arise from our free will? How have we come to realise that self-interest is quite different from selfishness? Why have we become obsessed with the need for fairness and trust in our societies?
And how have these forces resulted in us making the world a better place? Few of us believe this can be the case. But as the evidence of our progress becomes ever clearer, the series concludes by showing us why we are often wrong in our view of each other, and why we're so frequently mistaken in our pessimism about the future.
In this, the last book in The Secrets of Life quartet, SS O'Connor pulls together the threads of genetic and cultural evolution, and then adds to these the conclusions of evolutionary game theory. As he does this, he ends with an intertwined narrative that explains why so many of the phenomena of our existence may not be the mysteries we think they are, but could in fact have the same underlying logic to them.
By examining the great currents at work in our collective story, the role that competition and cooperation have always played in the development of the world, and why each behavioural strategy is rational in what it's attempting to achieve, the book shows that the same cycles of collaboration and destruction have been present since time began.
But while the success of these strategies may ebb and flow, it is their interaction that results in the balance and order we see around us. This current is also the consistent vector of our human history.
Although we may have animal origins, and are also driven by the same need to respond to the profound Laws of Thermodynamics, we have developed our culture to the point where we can now choose to overrule so many of the instructions of our genes.
Why do we do this? What are the problems that arise from our free will? How have we come to realise that self-interest is quite different from selfishness? Why have we become obsessed with the need for fairness and trust in our societies?
And how have these forces resulted in us making the world a better place? Few of us believe this can be the case. But as the evidence of our progress becomes ever clearer, the series concludes by showing us why we are often wrong in our view of each other, and why we're so frequently mistaken in our pessimism about the future.
583 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2023
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 4, 2023
O’Connors new book is just what you need if you’re feeling a little down about the state of the world. Inherently optimistic, the book argues for a more positive view on the world and the people in it. The author systematically answers a series of questions, including questions as to whether humans have evolved for better or for worse, how religion plays into it and what to do about climate change.
I found it incredibly refreshing to read something from a so much more positive point of view than we’re used to reading. I especially appreciated the fact that despite being so optimistic, the book also remained realistic, a combination that is not easy to achieve. The book seemed well researched and followed a coherent line of thought. I struggled a little to get into it at first as I had to get used to the authors writing style which could at times be a little drawn out - I feel some of the very good points the author made might have come across even better with a more precise style. But once into it, the book promises plenty of interesting thoughts and ideas to think about. Can only recommend!
Thank you very much to the author and LiterallyPR for my copy.
I found it incredibly refreshing to read something from a so much more positive point of view than we’re used to reading. I especially appreciated the fact that despite being so optimistic, the book also remained realistic, a combination that is not easy to achieve. The book seemed well researched and followed a coherent line of thought. I struggled a little to get into it at first as I had to get used to the authors writing style which could at times be a little drawn out - I feel some of the very good points the author made might have come across even better with a more precise style. But once into it, the book promises plenty of interesting thoughts and ideas to think about. Can only recommend!
Thank you very much to the author and LiterallyPR for my copy.
July 5, 2023
And we’re back with the fourth installment of SS O’Connor’s Secrets of Life series and I think it’s my favorite so far! This book made me think with every turn of the page. Despite the title, this installment is actually incredibly positive and I loved reading that take!
Thank you LiterallyPR for sending this my way!
July 8, 2023
Thank you Literally PR for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. Well this is the fourth instalment in the series and i enjoyed it equally as much as the first 3 and learnt so much as always.My family are off this week and they r going to have fun debating and discussing these intriguing conversation topics lol well worth a read thank u so much
July 11, 2023
I’ve just finished So What Does It All Mean? – S S O’Connor’s fourth and final book in his Secrets of Life series and – included with the first three books: How Did Life End Up With Us?, How Did We Get To Be So Different?, and Why Do We All Behave In The Way We Do? – I can safely say it’s a perfect wrap for the whole collection.
Referencing back to the arching themes of the other three: the gene’s challenges with the second law of thermodynamics, Game Theory, and many other theories of how we got to where we are all the way from the Big Bang, the author highlights how human behaviour and the concepts of free will, trust, and cooperation are natural processes in the future evolution of humankind:
- What is the global trend?
- What conditions allow for the Defectors and the Big Men?
- Are they temporary and are we actually conditioned to cooperate?
- Are we, in fact, becoming happier?
Drawing on the author’s own thoughts and harking back to some of the greatest thinkers in the subjects raised, the reader takes a journey through the most common questions a person might ask about world events, society and their place in it, shining a light on the whole of history that brought where we are and illustrating how life as a human was and now is.
As with all the books in the series, this one is well-written and often funny. As a work intended to summarise and draw a conclusion to quite a bit of theory and analogy it flows beautifully – which is something I liked about the whole collection. There is some pretty heady stuff in the series, but they never get stodgy and S S O’Connor’s use of humour and well-placed anecdote always makes for an entertaining and definitely interesting read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the collection and this book which, as well as being an in-depth summary/conclusion to the first three, had a pleasant upbeat tone. Yes, there’s plenty to get the old grey-matter bubbling, but also – and very nicely – it lays down how things mightn’t be as black as they’re painted.
I’m very much looking forward to anything O’Connor writes in the future.
You really should read this series.
Referencing back to the arching themes of the other three: the gene’s challenges with the second law of thermodynamics, Game Theory, and many other theories of how we got to where we are all the way from the Big Bang, the author highlights how human behaviour and the concepts of free will, trust, and cooperation are natural processes in the future evolution of humankind:
- What is the global trend?
- What conditions allow for the Defectors and the Big Men?
- Are they temporary and are we actually conditioned to cooperate?
- Are we, in fact, becoming happier?
Drawing on the author’s own thoughts and harking back to some of the greatest thinkers in the subjects raised, the reader takes a journey through the most common questions a person might ask about world events, society and their place in it, shining a light on the whole of history that brought where we are and illustrating how life as a human was and now is.
As with all the books in the series, this one is well-written and often funny. As a work intended to summarise and draw a conclusion to quite a bit of theory and analogy it flows beautifully – which is something I liked about the whole collection. There is some pretty heady stuff in the series, but they never get stodgy and S S O’Connor’s use of humour and well-placed anecdote always makes for an entertaining and definitely interesting read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the collection and this book which, as well as being an in-depth summary/conclusion to the first three, had a pleasant upbeat tone. Yes, there’s plenty to get the old grey-matter bubbling, but also – and very nicely – it lays down how things mightn’t be as black as they’re painted.
I’m very much looking forward to anything O’Connor writes in the future.
You really should read this series.
July 22, 2023
So What Does It All Mean? is the perfect ending to what is a fascinating series.
The Secrets of Life cover a vast array of subjects; those in particular which I found fascinating was how we humans tick. The one main thread I’ve noticed appears throughout all four books is the importance and rewards of cooperation.
We are products of cooperation, just as cells work as a team. The essence of success is teamwork. Humans result from an evolutionary process over billions of years – we’re a survival vehicle.
In So What Does It All Mean? S S O’Connor quotes such greats as Sigmund Freud, Robert Axelrod, Karl Sigmund and Liz Ostron. Together, this makes a wholly satisfying and enlightening read. He uses modern-day examples, such as Putin and Trump, and by doing so, the reader gets an even clearer understanding - how things develop, and why. To use the analogy in his book: Hawks and Doves.
Overall, I found this, the concluding episode in the series, a positive one. Yes, there are negative elements which we’re all too aware of and are concerned about, such as greenhouse gases, plastics, weather, and terrorism. Yet there is also the Great Cycle, which O’Connor illustrates. With this comes the Retaliator Doves, which brings action. O’Connor believes we have only scratched the surface of improvement.
Despite pessimism which is so easy to feel when reading the latest news reports, O’Connor tells us about Professor Daniel Gilbert's research on the subject and his book, Stumbling Upon Happiness. To quote from So What Does It All Mean?:
Daniel Gilbert suggests that pessimism is frequently an error-strewn thought process. His point is that we won't actually be destroyed if things go wrong. Instead, we'll generally cope, and act to find ways of preventing them from happening again.
I could go on and on about the subjects discussed in this book, but the best thing to do is go buy it and see for yourself! So What Does It All Mean? and the rest of the Secrets of Life series is fascinating and has made me stop and think.
S S O’Connor, thank you for writing such a brilliant and thoroughly researched series. All four books were a joy to read.
The Secrets of Life cover a vast array of subjects; those in particular which I found fascinating was how we humans tick. The one main thread I’ve noticed appears throughout all four books is the importance and rewards of cooperation.
We are products of cooperation, just as cells work as a team. The essence of success is teamwork. Humans result from an evolutionary process over billions of years – we’re a survival vehicle.
In So What Does It All Mean? S S O’Connor quotes such greats as Sigmund Freud, Robert Axelrod, Karl Sigmund and Liz Ostron. Together, this makes a wholly satisfying and enlightening read. He uses modern-day examples, such as Putin and Trump, and by doing so, the reader gets an even clearer understanding - how things develop, and why. To use the analogy in his book: Hawks and Doves.
Overall, I found this, the concluding episode in the series, a positive one. Yes, there are negative elements which we’re all too aware of and are concerned about, such as greenhouse gases, plastics, weather, and terrorism. Yet there is also the Great Cycle, which O’Connor illustrates. With this comes the Retaliator Doves, which brings action. O’Connor believes we have only scratched the surface of improvement.
Despite pessimism which is so easy to feel when reading the latest news reports, O’Connor tells us about Professor Daniel Gilbert's research on the subject and his book, Stumbling Upon Happiness. To quote from So What Does It All Mean?:
Daniel Gilbert suggests that pessimism is frequently an error-strewn thought process. His point is that we won't actually be destroyed if things go wrong. Instead, we'll generally cope, and act to find ways of preventing them from happening again.
I could go on and on about the subjects discussed in this book, but the best thing to do is go buy it and see for yourself! So What Does It All Mean? and the rest of the Secrets of Life series is fascinating and has made me stop and think.
S S O’Connor, thank you for writing such a brilliant and thoroughly researched series. All four books were a joy to read.
July 13, 2023
The final book the fascinating series The Secrets of Life: So What Does It All Mean in many ways presents elements of this massive work in a far from conclusive style, as O’Connor recaps much of the previous three books, in order to present what he considers is a pretty good forward projection as to where our world is headed.
Inspite of our best efforts, he does not consider we are in for the Big Bang, but that we as an ever evolving species are moving towards the next phase of what could be considered, ‘this comes next’. Perhaps as he suggests all this turmoil is indicative of slowly moving towards a more Community based world which is more tolerant, kinder and less dependent on the “Big Man” telling the world what he wants to achieve.
Although many of O’Connor’s theories seem to be a bit light and fanciful, the reality is that we are still a series of organisms wandering about, reforming to absorb the many facets of an ever changing world. This has been proven to be a slow but steady process, in some cases very slow, which has over the past 200 years, speed up to a pace which may not be sustainable in its present form.
As with all of the previous books there is much to ponder over again, a considerable amount that challenges the very basis of entrenched beliefs and a massive amount which, when given serious thought, makes absolute sense.
The future as O’Connor presents it, is a place that is exciting, involving many differing drivers to times past, as history will attribute too, but looking back over the past 50 years, life has changed, which is an undeniable fact.
So What Does It All Mean is in essence a very positive view of the future of the world: a world many of us will not live to see, but in our own small way will have contributed to, in one way or another. But as always, time and only time, holds the answer and until then much of what has been theorised upon and researched will make for many excellent debates.
Inspite of our best efforts, he does not consider we are in for the Big Bang, but that we as an ever evolving species are moving towards the next phase of what could be considered, ‘this comes next’. Perhaps as he suggests all this turmoil is indicative of slowly moving towards a more Community based world which is more tolerant, kinder and less dependent on the “Big Man” telling the world what he wants to achieve.
Although many of O’Connor’s theories seem to be a bit light and fanciful, the reality is that we are still a series of organisms wandering about, reforming to absorb the many facets of an ever changing world. This has been proven to be a slow but steady process, in some cases very slow, which has over the past 200 years, speed up to a pace which may not be sustainable in its present form.
As with all of the previous books there is much to ponder over again, a considerable amount that challenges the very basis of entrenched beliefs and a massive amount which, when given serious thought, makes absolute sense.
The future as O’Connor presents it, is a place that is exciting, involving many differing drivers to times past, as history will attribute too, but looking back over the past 50 years, life has changed, which is an undeniable fact.
So What Does It All Mean is in essence a very positive view of the future of the world: a world many of us will not live to see, but in our own small way will have contributed to, in one way or another. But as always, time and only time, holds the answer and until then much of what has been theorised upon and researched will make for many excellent debates.
July 14, 2023
This has been an absolutely fascinating and easy to read series of four books that make you think about life and , literally " What it All Means"
Questions that are posed, and answered within this final book get you to look at life and what is happening around us from different angles and also not to just assume , or take things as we find them for granted. There are reasons why we react as we do. There are opportunities to change that we either take , or ignore. This set of books gets you to think about what we are seeing and experiencing and look at whether , and how we can change. For me this is a set of books that will stay on my bookshelves so that I can dip in and out of them and think about what I am reading at periodic intervals and also just to reassess my thoughts as to what is happening , and why within society.
Read the following questions below that are raised and answered within the book and ask yourself what the answers are.
What are the problems that arise from our free will?
Why are we capable of so much selfishness and cynicism - and yet also such sympathy, empathy, compassion, and sacrifice?
How have we come to realise that self-interest is quite different from selfishness?
Why have we become so driven by the need for fairness and trust in our societies - and how can less control over a society lead to people behaving better?
What’s the problem that life is solving?
Are we becoming happier?
Questions that are posed, and answered within this final book get you to look at life and what is happening around us from different angles and also not to just assume , or take things as we find them for granted. There are reasons why we react as we do. There are opportunities to change that we either take , or ignore. This set of books gets you to think about what we are seeing and experiencing and look at whether , and how we can change. For me this is a set of books that will stay on my bookshelves so that I can dip in and out of them and think about what I am reading at periodic intervals and also just to reassess my thoughts as to what is happening , and why within society.
Read the following questions below that are raised and answered within the book and ask yourself what the answers are.
What are the problems that arise from our free will?
Why are we capable of so much selfishness and cynicism - and yet also such sympathy, empathy, compassion, and sacrifice?
How have we come to realise that self-interest is quite different from selfishness?
Why have we become so driven by the need for fairness and trust in our societies - and how can less control over a society lead to people behaving better?
What’s the problem that life is solving?
Are we becoming happier?
July 21, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and independent review. Thank you to SS O'Connor and Literally PR for my copy.
The book, titled 'So What Does It All Mean?', is the fourth and final instalment in a series by SS O'Connor. It is filled with thought-provoking topics that will spark conversations for years to come.
This edition brings together all the theories, research and science in the series, and concludes what it all adds up to. I was pleasantly surprised to find the book to be more optimistic than I expected, as it illustrates that the world is much better than our perceptions of it.
Topics in this final book of the series include whether the human race is doomed, if the world is really in as much of a mess as everyone says, and if we are becoming happier.
SS O'Connor seamlessly navigates through each question, providing opinions, facts, and research. Like the previous books, this final instalment encourages deep thinking and is filled with questions and ideas to ignite healthy debates.
The writing in the book is light-hearted, well-written, and easy to read, making it a great addition to any bookshelf. It is the type of book you will keep close by and return to whenever curiosity strikes.
Overall, I highly recommend this series.
The book, titled 'So What Does It All Mean?', is the fourth and final instalment in a series by SS O'Connor. It is filled with thought-provoking topics that will spark conversations for years to come.
This edition brings together all the theories, research and science in the series, and concludes what it all adds up to. I was pleasantly surprised to find the book to be more optimistic than I expected, as it illustrates that the world is much better than our perceptions of it.
Topics in this final book of the series include whether the human race is doomed, if the world is really in as much of a mess as everyone says, and if we are becoming happier.
SS O'Connor seamlessly navigates through each question, providing opinions, facts, and research. Like the previous books, this final instalment encourages deep thinking and is filled with questions and ideas to ignite healthy debates.
The writing in the book is light-hearted, well-written, and easy to read, making it a great addition to any bookshelf. It is the type of book you will keep close by and return to whenever curiosity strikes.
Overall, I highly recommend this series.
July 7, 2023
This is the fourth and final book in the secrets of life series and is another one that I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from, I also had a lot of laughs along the way!
I found this installment to be a little more lighthearted than the previous three books in the series. This one, like the others, is sure to get those brain cogs turning and will have you having conversations either with yourself or with the people around you about what you have read!
We find out if humans have, in the authors opinion, evolved for the better or for the worse - this is one question that kept me and some chums chatting for hours, debating, giving views and opinions, generally arguing and having a good natured discussion, so much fun!
As always, this author has yet again produced a well written, enlightening and resourceful book which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I would recommend this one and the entire series to anyone and everyone!
I found this installment to be a little more lighthearted than the previous three books in the series. This one, like the others, is sure to get those brain cogs turning and will have you having conversations either with yourself or with the people around you about what you have read!
We find out if humans have, in the authors opinion, evolved for the better or for the worse - this is one question that kept me and some chums chatting for hours, debating, giving views and opinions, generally arguing and having a good natured discussion, so much fun!
As always, this author has yet again produced a well written, enlightening and resourceful book which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I would recommend this one and the entire series to anyone and everyone!
July 4, 2023
So just what does it all mean?
I enjoyed reading this book as I have done the previous ones in this set too. Here is the final part of the quart which will again get your brain thinking and conversations over coffee.
With this one it’s a little bit lighter and much more positive, I thought. It’s not too deep or taxing and actually closes off cleverly, everything that has previously been mentioned.
All of the the theories that have been put to us in this series, come together to give us a clearer understanding. I enjoyed the full series and would recommend to anyone who has an inquisitive mind.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book as I have done the previous ones in this set too. Here is the final part of the quart which will again get your brain thinking and conversations over coffee.
With this one it’s a little bit lighter and much more positive, I thought. It’s not too deep or taxing and actually closes off cleverly, everything that has previously been mentioned.
All of the the theories that have been put to us in this series, come together to give us a clearer understanding. I enjoyed the full series and would recommend to anyone who has an inquisitive mind.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book, like the third book in the series it has been written in a way which covers complex topic matters, but has been written in an accessible way, again with the use of humour to keep it engaging. Similar to the third book, it also uses quotes from a broad range of famous experts in their respected fields, which is an informative yet easy way for the reader to gain a range of information.
I liked how it drew on previously discussed theories and questions and how it points out the positives, connecting them to the world today.
Thanks to LiterallyPR for sending me my copy.
I liked how it drew on previously discussed theories and questions and how it points out the positives, connecting them to the world today.
Thanks to LiterallyPR for sending me my copy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews