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4th out of 23 books
—
6 voters
Biophilia
View a collection of videos on Professor Wilson entitled "On the Relation of Science and the Humanities"
Paperback, 176 pages
Published
January 1st 1986
by Harvard University Press
(first published 1984)
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Do you suppose, if I admit that I find it a bit difficult to hold my attention to an E.O. Wilson book for long periods of time, that they will take away my science writing license?
I sure hope not, because I'm about to do just that.
This is not, however, I think Wilson's fault. Wilson is a god, a Titan, among science communications and general scientists, and I adore him as a human being and a leader. I've heard him speak, and it was wonderful. I think, for me, his books suffer from being almost...more
I sure hope not, because I'm about to do just that.
This is not, however, I think Wilson's fault. Wilson is a god, a Titan, among science communications and general scientists, and I adore him as a human being and a leader. I've heard him speak, and it was wonderful. I think, for me, his books suffer from being almost...more
Written for a wide audience, Wilson describes his provocative (and political) concept of biophilia through a series of anecdotes and stunning examples from the creatural world. What I love about biologists: they seldom forget that humans are creatures. Whether or not you agree wholeheartedly with Wilson's dedicated evolutionary stance, this exploration/reverie on the interconnection of all things living (an evolving category) has some really lovely moments.
This a book about an important idea. So before giving that away, I want to add a disclaimer. I am not trained as a philosopher or historian of science, but I am a academic biologists and a "concerned citizen" when it comes to ideas. My impression looking back at the 20th century is that is was characterized by the use of science as a justification to divorce humanity from the natural world. Wilson argues in Biophilia that this is a misappropriation of science, particularly biology. He argues tha...more
If you like biological philosophy books, then this book is for you!
The first few chapters of this book were amazing to me. I've always thought that my interest and love of nature is inherent to my humanity, as this book focuses on convincing readers.
Towards the end of the book, it became apparent how dated some of the information is. Because science is always evoloving, this couldn't be helped. Unfortunately, it made my attention wane.
The first chapters were so strong that I expected to be ver...more
The first few chapters of this book were amazing to me. I've always thought that my interest and love of nature is inherent to my humanity, as this book focuses on convincing readers.
Towards the end of the book, it became apparent how dated some of the information is. Because science is always evoloving, this couldn't be helped. Unfortunately, it made my attention wane.
The first chapters were so strong that I expected to be ver...more
A fun book that is easy for me to identify with. Wilson sees mankind as blight on nature. Although I would certainly hesitate to submit to this borderline deep ecology philosophy, it is important to remember that we do not always need to "conquer nature" and that nothing is more pleasant than a wonderful day spent immersed in the natural world.
157 pages. Donated 2010 May.
The eminent biologist reflects on his own response to nature and the aesthetic aspects of his exploration of natural systems in an intensely personal essay that examines the essential links between mankind and the rest of the living world.
The eminent biologist reflects on his own response to nature and the aesthetic aspects of his exploration of natural systems in an intensely personal essay that examines the essential links between mankind and the rest of the living world.
Edward Wilson is clearly incredibly bright. Biophilia appears to be a constellation of ideas that wouldn't fit into his other books. I recommend you read the others first.
Jun 13, 2009
Barbara Geer
marked it as to-read
"every species lives in its own sensory world."-E. O. Wilson
Wilson coined this word "Biophilia?"
Wilson coined this word "Biophilia?"
This is an excellent defense of the ideas of ecology and conservation.
May 10, 2013
Elizabeth
marked it as to-read
I'm thinking about reading a book by an entomologist. God help me.
E.O. Wilson is a hero.
A series of personal essays from one of America's foremost entomologists and naturalists. The book is now twenty years old and a contemporary reading reveals a great deal of prescience: things that Wilson was regarding as urgent and important in the 80s (saving rain forests, reducing greenhouse gas emissions) are only now becoming culturally fashionable. It's just a shame it took so long. He also describes some fascinating imaginative tools for comprehending the vast range and mass of our planet...more
I really do love Wilson. This book is a toned down way to gain perspective on the environment and the changes we as a species need to make in order to survive. Wilson doesn't protest outright but merely gives you the information you need to make the decision yourself. Wilson also touches on the subject of alien life and space exploration, possibly not as optimistically as one might hope but realistically. I think everyone should read this book.
When I first read Biophilia in 2007, it affected me deeply. Since then I have referred to it often as my favorite book. Six years later, it still surprises and delights me. Is it still my number one favorite book? I suppose not anymore, but it is one of many favorites, one that I recommend to everyone with the hopes that it will serve as a source of inspiration and hope does for me.
Mar 12, 2008
Carly
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Carly by:
My English teacher from last year
Shelves:
school
Biophilia is one of the most amazing books I have ever read through school. It is ultimately one of my favs. Go onto youtube and google his speeches on it.....you won't believe what you'll hear!
Book has slightly ficticious feel to it.
Book has slightly ficticious feel to it.
This is a landmark book by Wilson on our natural propensity toward other living things. The philosophy is a lovely idea, although I found the book dragged on sections. Overall, definitely worth reading if you're new to the field of ecology.
Jan 05, 2011
Jessica
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Jessica by:
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
Shelves:
non-fiction
Ants the size of baby mice. ANTS!!! THE SIZE OF BABY MICE!!!!! Even if you don't read the whole book, essays "The Superorganism," "The Time Machine," and "The Poetic Species" are well worth your attention.
I'm uncertain why I haven't read this book, but now that I have, I'm ashamed to have called myself a nature writer. I doubt I'll ever have the skill or scientific depth of Wilson.
While I admire E.O. Wilson and find his concepts and ideas interesting, I found the flowery and poetic language used in Biophilia to be distracting. It didn't hold my attention.
Great hypothesis of our interconnection to natural systems at several levels: biochemical, cognitive, emotional, mental, social, artistic, cultural... etc.
This was a great book, written by a biologist who I had the good fortune to meet. He reminds you of your grandfather and is a fantastic writer!
Jul 31, 2008
Sarah
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all people interested in food, vegitation, insects, biology.
Recommended to Sarah by:
an artist friend
I love this book. E.O Wilson, a scientist, discusses the death of many species and the changes that happen with each new disappearance.
Wilson is a master of ecology. This is an intersting look at the connection between living things.
A plea for preservation of all species, their diversity and our innate connection to nature.
Good book about nature from eminent biologist/ecologist/entomologist Dr. Wilson.
May 16, 2013
Dan
marked it as to-read
May 11, 2013
Sarah
marked it as to-read
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Edward Osborne Wilson is an American biologist, researcher, theorist, and author. His biological specialty is myrmecology, a branch of entomology. A two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction, Wilson is known for his career as a scientist, his advocacy for environmentalism, and his secular-humanist ideas pertaining to religious and ethical matters. He is Pellegrino University Re...more
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“To explore and affiliate with life is a deep and complicated process in mental development. To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it hope rises on its currents.”
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Feb 01, 2009 01:53pm