Holism and Evolution

by Jan Christiaan Smuts

Book by Smuts, Jan C.

Genres: Philosophy, Science, Nonfiction

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Field Marshal Jan Christia(a)n Smuts PC, OM, CH, DTD, ED, KC, FRS was a South African statesman, military leader, and philosopher. In addition to holding various cabinet posts, he served as prime minister of the Union of South Africa from 1919 until 1924 and from 1939 until 1948. Although Smuts had originally advocated racial segregation and opposed the enfranchisement of black Africans, his views changed and he backed the Fagan Commission's findings that complete segregation was impossible. Smuts subsequently lost the 1948 election to hard-line Afrikaners who created apartheid. He continued to work for reconciliation and emphasized the British Commonwealth’s positive role until his death in 1950

Reviews

[Ben Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may very well have all the answers

I want to write a book about this book someday

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Holism and Evolution" is a book written by Jan Christiaan Smuts, a South African statesman, soldier, and philosopher, originally published in 1926. The book presents Smuts' ideas about the concept of holism, which he defines as the study of wholes rather than parts, and its relationship to the process of evolution.

Smuts argues that the universe is not simply a collection of separate entities, but a complex system of interconnected wholes, ranging from the smallest atoms to the largest galaxies. He suggests that these wholes, or "holons," are characterized by emergent properties that cannot be reduced to the properties of their constituent parts. Smuts also explores the idea that the universe is evolving toward higher levels of complexity and organization, driven by a creative or evolutionary impulse.

In addition, Smuts applies the concept of holism to a range of fields, including biology, psychology, and social organization. He suggests that the study of living organisms should focus on their holistic properties, rather than simply analyzing their individual parts, and that human society should be organized according to the principles of holism, with a focus on cooperation, interdependence, and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings.

Overall, "Holism and Evolution" is an influential work that has had a significant impact on the development of systems theory, ecology, and other fields. The book presents a holistic and evolutionary perspective on the universe and human society, and argues for a more cooperative and integrated approach to understanding and organizing the world around us.

GPT

[Michael Haupt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everyone associates this great South African with original philosophical thought. This seminal work traces the linkages between everything. Remarkable.

[Gediminas Tumėnas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pirmą kartą skaičiau tokią knygą, kuri yra padalinta į 12 skyrių, kurių kiekvienas prasideda apibendrinimu to, kas buvo rašyta iki to skyriaus; viduryje kiek dėstoma naujų minčių ir trečiajame skyriaus trečdalyje apibendrinama tai, kas buvo pasakyta tame skyriuje ir visoje knygoje iki tol. Ir taip 12 kartų... Gal čia ir yra tikrasis holizmas? Nežinau.
Bet žinau tai, jog nūdienoje labai mėgstama šiuo žodžiu švaistytis (holistinė medicina, holistinė terapija, holistinis ugdymas ir t.t.), tačiau ne visuomet suprantama sąvokos reikšmė. Šioje knygoje pirmą kartą buvo iškeltas ir detaliai aprašytas terminas holizmas, bandant apibendrinti tuometinius fizikos, biologijos, chemijos bei psichologijos atradimus. Ši knyga yra padariusi didžiulę įtaką vienam iš trijų didžiųjų psichologijos banginių (spėkit kuriam) ir leidusi į to meto mokslo atradimus pažvelgti iš visai kitokios perspektyvos.
Knygos autorius - pagal išsilavinimą teisininkas, pagal pareigas antrasis Pietų Afrikos Respublikos ministras pirmininkas, pagal laisvalaikio hobius Tautų Sąjungos steigėjas ir Jungtinių Tautų chartijos preambulės kūrėjas.

[Dedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book connects the atom, the cell, the mind and the personality as the succession of whole building blocks and thresholds of wholeness or holism. It is fascinating to read a philosophical argument based on emergent science of that time (such as relativity and genetics) that feels well established now. The book suggests that there may be another whole to emerge, but it would have to built on personality. It suggests a kind of spirituality as a result but one the would build on human individuality. It was a fascinating read exploring mechanisms like selection in evolution as a fundamental reality at all levels of existence.

[Paul Dabrowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of genius. This was the theory that lead to the creation of the United Nations.

[Raully · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book that introduced the phrase 'holism' to the English language is as opaque as the movements today that bear its name.

Question of the month: Did Smuts' philosophy of holism have a serious role on his early championship of the League of Nations movement? Thoughts anyone?