The Evolution of Everything: The Patterns and Causes of Big History

Big History tells the story of humanity in light of scientific advances, tracing the universe's evolution, the earth's formation, and the brain's and behavior's development. It explains significant transformations through changes in demography, learning, and social organization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Big History aims to retell the human story in the context of scientific advancements, employing techniques like radiocarbon dating and genetic analysis. This comprehensive book offers a profound and causal understanding of the forces that have shaped the universe, Earth, and humanity. It begins with the Big Bang and the formation of the Earth, tracing the evolutionary history of the world, with a particular focus on humanity's origins. It also delves into the diverse natural forces that have shaped humanity, particularly the evolution of the brain and behavior. As the story unfolds, the book contextualizes significant transformations, such as agriculture, complex societies, the industrial revolution, the Enlightenment, and modernity, within the broader shifts in demography, learning, and social organization.

While humans are biological creatures driven by instincts evolved millions of years ago, in the rapidly changing world we inhabit, we must constantly confront our deep past. Big History provides a valuable framework for understanding our past and its impact on our present and future. By embracing a holistic perspective that incorporates scientific insights, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex tapestry of human history and the forces that have shaped our world.

Weight: 802g
Dimension: 171 x 244 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108797320