Trivial and boring. They try to be anthropic and literary and philosophical and much more, but fails at anything well. ( )

Entomologist Edward O. Wilson examines the relationship between the humanities and the sciences. He traces the origins of human creativity, which he defines as “the innate quest for originality,” back one hundred thousand years. Wilson proposes that humankind needs “a third enlightenment,” a new philosophy that unites arts and sciences to achieve a more meaningful existence. The book begins with history – the development of language, abstract thinking, intelligence, and cooperation. He explains the factors that allowed homo sapiens to thrive. He then moves into some of the challenges faced by the separate branches of humanities and sciences, before moving into his final argument of the need for a combined approach.

This book reads like a script for a documentary. The scientific sections may be dry for those without a keen interest. Wilson occasionally ventures off topic, but these diversions expanded my knowledge. He includes appealing anecdotes on literary works, metaphors, archetypes, music, great films, and the natural world. “The grail to be sought is the nature of consciousness, and how it originated.”

Wilson introduces a number of thought-provoking questions, but I do not think his intent is to provide all the answers. In fact, he suggests we do not yet have the answers and that by combining forces, in the humanities and the sciences, we can leap forward, breaking through current barriers and advancing civilization. Definitely worth the time.
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5/14/22

As with other Wilson contributions, this was a good book, a thought provoking exposition in the need for the Humanities.
The last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the regard people hold for Science and Technology. Booth together and individually, they command the lion’s share of grant funding and of university budgets (of course, athletics get a lot of money, too). The Humanities see budget cuts, dwindling university interest and even elimination from university course offerings. Wilson argues that this is a catastrophe waiting to happen. The Humanities enrich our lives offering beauty and insights Science cannot hope to offer. They are also the vehicle through which the Sciences convey meaning and purpose for the discoveries and innovations they bring.
Like “In Defense of a Liberal Education” and, to some extent, “Sapiens,” Wilson posits that the Humanities actually provide the lifeblood and foundation for Science. It is through the Humanities that we learn our values and morals, the values and morals absolutely necessary to both enrich and restrain Science.
Wilson has produced many powerful and insightful books. His strength is his ability to make even the most obtuse and difficult concepts and principles accessible to the lay reader.
It is wonderful to note, additionally, that this book was published in 2017 when Wilson was 88 years old. His great mind had lost none of its capacity to elevate readers to new levels of understanding and perception. ( )

I always enjoy Wilson's writing; even when I don't necessarily buy every implication of his argument, it's neat to see how his mind works and the interesting connections he draws. ( )