Unexceptional

Utilizing his extensive knowledge in evolutionary biology, philosophy, religion and atheism, author Adam Neiblum weaves together several prominent trends in contemporary thought springing from Darwin’s theory of evolution. With philosophical argumentation and wit, he makes a compelling case for the direct connection between the shift away from superstitious, faith-based thinking, towards naturalistic, evidence-based thinking, and humanity’s overall social and moral progress. At the core of Unexceptional is the argument that the theory of evolution radically transforms humanity’s conception of itself, its origin, nature, and place in the cosmos, from what it had hitherto been and yet, as a global society, we are debilitated by a massive inability to fully embrace the ramifications and implications of Darwin’s fundamental and profound discovery. Unexceptional also makes a convincing argument that humanity’s most unique and important evolutionary trait is the ability to share and accumulate knowledge over time, and that with the growing democratization of knowledge, the predominance of religious thinking is being replaced with reason and science. Neiblum argues that it is the power of this shared cumulative, evidence-based knowledge and reasoning that is largely responsible for making the world an increasingly more cooperative, safer, and less violent place, ultimately for all beings. In a rigorous yet entertaining manner, Unexceptional delves into these and more illuminating topics making for a fun, enlightening and consciousness-raising read.