A Theory of Everyone: Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going

Michael Muthukrishna offers a unified theory of human behavior, culture, and society, arguing that our unique ability to create culture has enabled our current dominance but only by understanding and applying the laws of life can we solve the practical and existential challenges we face.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: John Murray Press

A Fabulous Book


The Economist is a remarkable work that will profoundly alter your perspective on the world forever. Written by Matthew Syed, it offers a wonderfully refreshing and thought-provoking exploration of various topics. Peter Frankopan praises it as "original, fascinating, and provocative," while Andrew McAfee describes it as a "blueprint for a better future."


Playing on the phrase "a theory of everything in physics," Michael Muthukrishna presents a unified theory of human behavior, culture, and society—a theory of "everyone." Drawing on the most recent research across the sciences, humanities, and the emerging field of cultural evolution, he paints a panoramic picture of who we are and exactly what makes human beings different from all other forms of life on the planet.


Muthukrishna argues that our unique ability to create culture, a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experience passed on from generation to generation, has enabled our current dominance. However, it is only by understanding and applying the laws of life—the need for energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—that we can solve the practical and existential challenges we face as a species.


A Theory of Everyone is a groundbreaking attempt to provide solutions for the most pressing problems of our collective future, such as polarization, inequality, the great stagnation in productivity, and the energy crisis. Casting a bold and ambitious net, this is a must-read for anyone interested in a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Weight: 684g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399810630