The Evolution of Everything: How Selection Shapes Culture, Commerce, and Nature

by Mark Sumner

Over a century ago, the Social Darwinists appropriated Darwin's name but left most of his theory behind. The Evolution of Everything describes the struggles behind Darwin's theory of evolution and the schemes of those who misapplied it.  It also shows why a more nuanced reading of that work—especially the concept of selective pressures—helps us understand many natural, social, and economic processes.    

Genres: Science

221 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2010

About the author

Sometimes credited as Mark C. Sumner or M.C. Sumner.

Reviews

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a most excellent and fun romp through the world of evolutionary science and history...and I must have really enjoyed it for I read it in less than 24 hours!

I really believe that more people need to read books like this to truly understand evolution; that it is not a path towards perfection or "betterness" but that it is simply natural selection placing pressure upon preexisting variations that leads to the survival of the good enough for now - interrupted every now and then with catastrophes that weed some out.

How the author relates this to the modern world of business and finance, as well as a little bit of American History to show that what people claim to be "how things always were" are wrong, helps to further reinforce his thesis. I learned quite a bit of Mr. Darwin and his descendants, as well as other notable scientists who made great contributions to the field of evolution, heredity, and genetics. Having learned about Gregor Mendel's experiments in High School, I'm glad that his work was not permanently lost to history.

If one had a time machine, one of the great things one imagines one could do, would be to deliver Mendel's work to Darwin so that he would have that missing piece of the puzzle and make his own work that much stronger.

[Bassmh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is mainly about the applicability of Darwin's evolution theory. So the author goes into many chapters that start with the history Of the theory and how it was ( and still is ) perceived.
Then couple of chapters about evolution in animals , cars and dinosaurs.

It's a fun read. Some eye opening potential. And a gentle introduction to Darwin and his work.

Got bit tedious reading about dinosaurs and cars. But they were only two chapters out of the whole book.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in style similar to Malcom Gladwell, possible better for not being as smug as Gladwell. Usually is interesting for the connections to biology and anthropology and current issues. At times makes questionable leaps to support political view. Overall lacks a transformational theme.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, light read mostly about historical misunderstandings of evolutionary theory with a few interesting examples of how selection pressures affect our choices as consumers. Worth a read to find out the origins of the song "Yes, We Have No Bananas", for the author's treatment of the "too big to fail" banking crisis, and for selection pressures as applied to car design; but anyone who has put a some effort into learning about evolutionary theory will find little new here. Check it out of the library and read it in a sitting.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about the history of evolution and a lot about the history of Charles Darwin and his idea of natural selection. It was good but jumped around and slow at times.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nook #39