The Creation

Just finished E.O. Wilson's most recent book, The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. Like most of Wilson's books, it is an engaging read, contains a clear message, and can be read cover to cover in a couple hours. The book is very effectively written as a plea to a pastor for those involved to put aside their religious and scientific differences, and use their common ground to work towards a goal for the greater good - namely, the salvation of the planet's biodiversity. While Professor Wilson writes with sincerity and respect when making his case to those who choose not to embrace the evolution of the biosphere via natural selection, he still encourages that they view the wonders of the natural world with an open mind; he is mindful of every word that he chooses - words such as 'masterpiece', 'awe-inspiring', and most importantly, the book's title, as a means to bridge the gap between the two sides. Notwithstanding, he still makes it very clear throughout the book that he feels that science is the proper lens through which to view and explore this 'creation'.

(note: I finally got my chance to see Wilson deliver a lecture recently at Columbia. He is a wonderful speaker and he truly knows how to connect with his audience.)

Shifting gears a bit, I am now on to Richard Dawkins' new book, The God Delusion. A review will follow.