"An interesting, secular exploration of evolution and self realisation. "
Working through both the scientific and philosophical theories around evolution, Mark Callaghan reflects on how both schools of thought are vital to understanding ourselves. Beginning with Darwin’s theory of evolution and the basic technicalities of natural selection and adaptation that has existed since life began on Earth, Callaghan uses his lifelong interest in the trains of thought surrounding evolution and self-realisation to create a fluid essay that highlights the science before then reflecting on more abstract ideas around evolution. For example looking into cultural evolution and how attitudes, beliefs and behaviours can also adapt over time.
I found Universal Evolution to be a well-structured piece that worked its way coherently through its arguments in an accessible and conversational tone. I liked the outlines at the start of the chapters as they gave me some understanding on where the argument is developing from previous chapters. The scale of the arguments within this book is unique, looking from the basics of biological evolution, expanding out to what evolution looks like in the modern day and how our awareness and identity can impact evolution going forward. At the same time yet conversely the book starts by looking at broad biological mechanisms that impact every living species, then progresses to the more specific individual view of culture, identity and self-awareness and self-esteem. It’s a very clever, almost dual directional argument that is written in a deceptively unassuming way. A thought provoking piece for those with a keen interest in expanding their horizons through processes around evolution, as stated by the author this is more of a personal hypothesis so doesn’t provide further references or reading but is a read with a compelling thought out argument for those wanting to go on and do their own research to establish their own opinions.
| Primary Genre | Mind, body, spirit |
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Evolution from different perspectives a well researched book.
Wow what a read and will always be apt. At present with conflicts around the world, I keep asking the questions why are human the way they are? How are we shaped how did evoution occur. Reading this book is less complicated and the author gets it. I had not thought about evolution from a process point of view as spiritualism sometimes overtakes and we then look at this really from just one perspective here the author looks at this from all angles. Some are known as we have grown up with Darwin's theory but it is also interesting from the authors perspective also. It is all part of the bigger picture.... Read Full Review
