Evolutions: Fifteen Myths That Explain Our World

Science is an astounding achievement, but are we any wiser than the ancients? Evolutions brings to life the latest scientific thinking on the birth of the universe and the solar system, reawakening our sense of wonder and terror at the world around us and within us.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2019
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Daring, learned, and humane, Stephen Greenblatt's remarkable restoration of wonder offers a fresh perspective on our understanding of the world. In contrast to ancient beliefs that the world was hatched from an egg or emerged from a love embrace, we now rely on genes and natural selection to explain our fears and desires, while physics helps us unravel the mysteries of the universe. While science is undoubtedly an astounding achievement, it raises important questions. Has science truly revealed the secrets of fate and immortality, or has it replaced faith altogether? Some argue that science has replaced mythology, but can it also serve as a means of preserving and revitalizing these ancient narratives?

Evolutions takes us on a captivating journey, exploring the latest scientific theories about the birth of the universe and the solar system. Through the lens of modern science, Oren Harman creates new and original mythologies that rekindle our sense of wonder and terror. From the Earth and the Moon presenting a cosmological view of motherhood to the panicking Mitochondrion introducing sex and death to the world, the loneliness of consciousness emerging from the memory of an octopus, and the birth of language in evolution summoning humankind's struggle with truth, these narratives offer a fresh perspective on our place in the universe.

While science may not provide definitive answers to our existential puzzles, it can inspire us to continue our search for meaning. Just as age-old legends have guided us through the ages, scientific discoveries can also provide us with insights and tools to navigate the complexities of life. In this sense, science and mythology can coexist, each contributing to our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Ultimately, the restoration of wonder offered by Stephen Greenblatt and the mythologies created by Oren Harman remind us of the power of imagination and the importance of exploring the unknown. Whether we seek answers to our deepest questions or simply enjoy the thrill of discovery, these works invite us to embrace our curiosity and explore the vast possibilities of the universe.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 195 x 123 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788547581