The Meaning of Human Existence (2014)

The Meaning of Human Existence is a book written by Edward O. Wilson a pioneer in the field of sociobiology. Edward Wilson is both a naturalist and biologist who has spent decades studying the links between genes and behavior.Detractors claimed his views were too mechanistic or eugenic. Critics failed to fully comprehend the concepts of sociobiology. Organisms can be the products of both their genes and environment. Humanity is the product of both. The constant mystery is why organisms and biomes evolved the to what they are now. The Meaning of Human Existence  discusses science, philosophy, and its relation to existential thought. Wilson argues that humanity has acquired enough knowledge and experience to question what is existence and humanity's role in the cosmos. Edward Wilson also is convinced that this can be done in a testable manner. His perspective is that science and the humanities have grown too far apart. The problem with modern accumulation of knowledge is that it has become too grounded in specialization. He eloquently describes this about  this phenomenon when referring to academia. There is a human epoch in which people will be able to control and manipulate their own biology. This advancement does produce a dilemma as Wilson proclaims in the text. Wilson asks a few questions that have  been with humanity since it became curious. Does humanity have a special place in the universe ? What is the meaning of our personal lives ?  One would suspect that humanity may be unique in the sense that it is the dominant species on Earth and controls the biosphere to a degree. These questions of existence and meaning have been puzzling philosophers, scientists, and religious scholars. Such an answer would have to be a complex one. This may not necessarily be true. Edward Wilson gives a synopsis of human evolution, natural history, philosophy, and provides an explanation into the nature of existence. This is articulated in a series of essays in the book. The Meaning of  Human Existence  will make a reader see the world and universe in a completely different way.  
     The first essay discusses the connotations of meaning. Wilson states "in ordinary usage" the word "meaning " implies intention, intention implies design, and design implies a designer." This is more of the religious conviction of meaning. The other concept of meaning is as Wilson explains are the events of history and their networks of physical cause and effect. Events as Edward Wilson writes can be random, however they can later probability of later events. Reaching the full understanding of meaning would require a worldview of science. To answer such questions Wilson proposes that there should be a collaboration between the humanities and sciences. The vast body of human knowledge has become to separated, even when there are numerous connections. Wilson is proposing a scientific based understanding of human existence through means of self-understanding. As there is a push by some for greater understanding it poses a dilemma. The possibilities of manipulating human biology or even taking control of our own evolution is a reality. The power of genetic engineering and transhumanism is in civilization's grasp, but the problem remains should such actions be done. Wilson expresses that society should understand fully why humanity evolved in such a way before proceeding to alter it.

The question of existence requires multiple disciples to answer. Such questions are either discussed in terms of proximate or ultimate causation. This relates to living organisms and life function. Human beings have cells and  organ systems, but the reason why remains a mystery. These two techniques of explanation are required to reveal the significance of life. There is one flaw with Wilson's argument. Humanity did not "emerge entirely on its own."  Through evolution humans became the sole survivors of a primate species. Early humans were part of an ecological system much like today. Each organism functions on a trophic level requiring others. Relations could either be symbiotic or parasitic. Organisms do not simply emerge on their own. Evolution is one part of the emergence of species, but environment is critical. A change in geological conditions radically altered animal as well as plant life. If were not for the extinction of the dinosaurs and the rise of  mammal life there would not be humanity. What did emerge on its own was human civilization. No other animal on Earth has produced civilization like humankind. Music, science, and the arts are a testament to humankind's unique skill. Edward Wilson is correct on one position. Humanity is not here for a specific goal  nor   to answer to a higher power. This is why wisdom as Wilson explains based off the comprehension of ourselves should be our guide rather than piety. Doing this could be humankind's only salvation and key to the improvement of  persistent societal ills. The public must have a strong understanding of human biological evolution and history. 

        Human evolution must be fully understood if one is to understand the world and the societies that emerged. The second essay in Wilson's book explains that human history does not begin with the rise of civilization. He proclaims "the human condition is a product of history- not just six millennia of civilization but very much further back, across hundreds of millennia." Evolution explains much of animal and human behavior. There is a level of eusociality present in the animal kingdom. The term describes the true social condition and how a group raises offspring across multiple generations. Organisms that show eusociality appeared late in biological evolutionary history. Compared to insects and bacteria  the emergence of humans is fairly recent. The origins of human behavior began with a change in diet and anatomical change. Eusociality emerged in australopithecines when their diet became based around meat. This cause the intestines to become shorter, resulting in more metabolic function shifting to other areas of the body. Gradually, the cranial volume would increase and the brains of  primates would become more complex. The rise of hunting and campsites only caused eusociality to become more entrenched. These early structures required both cooperation and competition to function. The members that were part of this were provided shelter and protection. Humanity gained a level of social intelligence, which required calculated thoughts. The two early primates that provide some clues to the riddle of humanity are the homo habilis and the homo erectus. 

Homo Habilis

Two million years ago the homo habilis existed. These animals had human like bodies, but their cranial capacity was smaller. It has been estimated close to or less than 600 cubic centimeters. From homo habilis onward the cranial volume would increase. Homo erectus would gain more cranial capacity at 900 cc. Homo sapiens would see an increased cranial volume of 1,400 cc. This dramatic change in the brain was one of the most amazing events in biological history. The structures of the brain became more complex and allowed for more intelligence. The increase in intelligence also meant that social behavior was going to change. This would alter the course of world history. The genus homo could soon become the dominant species of the globe. Paleontologists and evolutionary biologists have the task of trying to figure out the social nature of the early primates. These forces are either part biological or environmental. There are competing theories that have emerged in the scientific community which attempted to describe the rise of advanced social behavior. 

Homo Erectus 

Kin selection is one theory that describes individuals favoring relatives and offspring within a group. This theory attempts to explain altruism that occurs among members of the same group. The reasoning behind such social behavior is that more genes can be passed on based around inclusive fitness. Inclusive fitness refers to the combined effects of reproduction and survival upon the individual. A group that helps one another at least in this theory has a better chance of passing on genes through altruism, rather than split competition. Multilevel selection has an opposing view. Natural selections operates on two different levels. Individual selection places another organism in competition or collaboration with another. There is a group selections in which units compete with other groups. Although it is difficult to test or  form an experiment for these theories, it seems that nature follows the multilevel selection based on observations of animal behavior. When applied to human behavior it become more apparent. People compete for jobs, resources, and land at an individual level. Nations are a collective and compete with each other for world influence. Chimpanzees compete with other groups of Chimpanzees for territory. Primates compete for mates on an individual level. Edward O. Wilson reveals that he favors this theory, because to a degree natural history confirms it. However, both theories must be vigorously tested to become scientific fact. 

What should also be understood is that evolution does not follow a linear path. It is like a tree with multiple branches. What binds the homo group, ardipithecus group, pananthropus group, and australopithecus group was that they probably emerged from a common genetic ancestor. While humanities can provide answers to early forms of art, it is important that there is an understanding of the anatomical,biological, and physiological elements of human nature. Sadly, the public has either a limited comprehension of evolution or a huge amount of suspicion. Wilson does make a cogent point in stating " what counts for long term survival is an intelligent self-understanding , based upon a greater independence of thought than that tolerated today in even our most democratic societies." The lugubrious aspect of the situation is that societies that claim to be free and democratic are more closed minded. Evolution is either attacked by the right as being false or the left as promoting justifications for an unequal society. Such accusations  lack credibility, but they have gained popularity among the public and more so in the United States. The real challenge is not only having a collaboration among the humanities and science, but defeating a powerful anti-intellectual movement. The teaching of intelligent design or fabricated history continues to stifle generations of students. If Wilson's vision is to be a reality it will require a complete restructuring of the public school system and a new approach to pedagogy. 

        The discussion of human existence will inevitably lead to questions of ethics. Edward Wilson poses the question to the reader : are human beings naturally righteous or prone to malevolence? Wilson seems to believe that people can be both a bit of both. The essay "Evolution and Our Inner Conflict" gives readers an examination into the debate of nature versus nurture. Wilson does clarify that humanity is not driven solely by instincts, but it cannot be ignored they are part of human behavior. Concepts such as right and wrong may just be artificial constructions to justify behavior that is either controversial, questionable, or abhorrent. Alleles the multiple forms of the same gene do effect human beings, just like their environments.   

Psychologically there is a desire to be part of a social network. This is also biologically based through multilevel selection. Humans can be friends or competitors. They may work in groups or on an individual level. The desire to be part of a group was most likely based on survival in the evolutionary past. A sense of belonging is not only helpful for one's physical security, but sense of worth. There is a negative consequence of this social behavior. Edward Wilson explains : "an amplification of this evidently inborn predestination leads with frightening ease to racism and religious bigotry." This genetic predisposition to group collectivist behavior could cause as Wilson puts it "good people doing bad things ."To explain human atrocities away by behavior is too simplistic. It could be that in reality there are not righteous people; just others who are more in control of their impulses. There is a reason children must have discipline and there are laws in place. Humans are still animals and to a degree have negative impulses. What makes humanity unique is that it has developed self control and systems of order to manage behavior. Altruism relative to biology is more of a practical mechanism, rather than an ethical one. There is a conflict between the altruist behavior and the selfish behavior which developed during human evolution. Yet, it is difficult to say that humanity is both simultaneously sinner and saint. The increase in brain complexity in terms of memory, reasoning, and the prefrontal cortex demonstrate that we are a rational and calculating species. Calculating a outcome may not always involve  ethical or altruistic  conduct. This partially explains why humanity engages in war and murder. This does not involve all members, however it takes significant portions. Mankind may be more malevolent than Edward O. Wilson realizes. Philosophy has struggled with the question of what is ethical and science may not be able to answer such a question. Psychology does have some indications. By stander effect may be the result of the desire to survive (driven by genetic elements ), rather than  take a risk helping someone in danger. Environment is a powerful force on people. To say that genetics is solely the basis of human behavior would be incorrect. The debate is not whether it is nature versus nature. The real inquiry is how much to nature and nurture collaborate with one another. When this interaction is understood for these two factors only then will there be a lucid explanation into human behavior. 

      Wilson makes the argument for the unity of human knowledge. Since the Enlightenment civilization has advanced technologically and scientifically at a fast rate. Humanity explained the existence and the world in terms of natural philosophy. Francis Bacon called this "the empire of man ." The Enlightenment was the quest to master rationality and to create a world based on wisdom. These ideas were effectively abandoned by the 19th century. The rise of Romanticism as an artistic and ideological movement challenged the reason based system of the Enlightenment. The humanities would then become separate from the sciences. As science became more rapid in its discoveries, they were not able to solve humanities pressing problems. The French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon and then his fall resulted in a backlash. Europe would return to political conservatism in the form of monarchy. Revolutions would happen again in 1848, but it seemed as if the dreams of rational societies based on natural rights were still elusive. Philosophy, the arts, and sciences became distant from one another. There is no reason why they should be. Edward O. Wilson wants there to be a renaissance of human knowledge. The sciences and the humanities must collaborate with one another and become the core of modern education. What hinders modern academia is that specialization has been the foundation. Scholars and students must have at least a basic understanding of other subjects. A university for example should not just be a place for learning or career building, but an area that discovers new knowledge. Literature, art, and theater are just as important as biology, physics, mathematics,chemistry,  and astronomy. To reach self-understanding there must be a full comprehension of knowledge. Humanity can be curious. That tendency seems to be strongest when it is related to anthropocentricity. When information is relative to the human experience it generates more interest. The sciences and humanities are linked by the common origin being born of the human mind. The human brain is the most complex organ producing thoughts, emotions, and the creativity seen in all subjects. This explains why humanities are also an important part o humanity. 

       The text poses a question in one essay asking what would we use to impress extraterrestrials. Certainly, our technology would not be on the same level. However, our art and various cultures would be something they would not have seen. The chapter " The All Importance of  the Humanities" demonstrates that humanities or sciences should not be presented as separate, The unique cultural evolution that has emerged since human existence has to be one of the most astounding phenomenons. Humanities is the product of cultural evolution and it can be seen early on in human history. Cave paintings show that our early ancestors had creative minds. 

Gene culture coevolution demonstrate that natural selection is still acting upon human beings. Both genetic and cultural changes can effect the trajectories of one another. Music, writing, and art are the products of humankind's ambition to create and be innovative. Wilson describes the humanities best as : " They are a natural history of culture, and our most private and precious heritage." Science and the humanities have a common goal of giving a description of existence. These two fields of study only differ in method and particular techniques to reach an answer. As applied science continues to advance in areas biotechnology,nanotechnology, and robotics humanity will need some form of reasoning and ideological guidance. There will be major economic, social, and political changes that will  spread across the globe. Robotics will change the labor market and possibly cause workers to lose jobs. There is more human migration than ever before. Genetic variation of the human species is increasing, which is the result of mass movements of populations. Humanities could be a means of creating a stable world in one of constant change and chaos. Edward O. Wilson warns that we should not depart away from our genetically inherited nature. This he believes is expressed in the humanities. It may already be too late to preserve the biological human nature as Wilson refers to it. Transhumanism will definitely be the wave of the future. Like any technology or scientific advancement it can either be used for positive or nefarious purposes. Holding on to humanities may preserve society from becoming automatons. Humanities has a place in society, but transhumanism will also be present. Evolution and biology can be erratic, it is just now humanity will gain more control over it. There should not be trepidation in regards to this change. If technoscientific advancement is regulated serious problems can be avoided. Wilson is correct to support the humanities, yet  the words of caution seem overly fearful about technoscientific change. The humanities will be safe as long as humanity has a desire to create art, music, film, and literature. 

        There is the possibility that we are not alone in the universe. Wilson suggests that there may be some form of live beyond the Solar System. Earth was born at least 4.54 billion years ago and as time past life emerged. The earliest forms of life were microorganisms. Microbes may be the species that truly rule the galaxy. If humanity discovers life it would probably be microbes. If it is on land or sea it microbes would still be the majority. Earth contains a multitude of microbes. This includes protists, fungi, algae, archaeans, and picozoans. Astronomers and astrophysicists have suggested that there are Earth like exoplanets, so the idea of microbes existing there does not seem like science fiction. 

The Milky Way Galaxy 

 Based on what is known about organisms that live in extreme environments on Earth (extremophiles ), harsh environments on other planets would not be a challenge for microbes. There are also microbes known as subterranean lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystems. They can be found in soil and rock fissures. Such organisms gain their energy form the Earth's rocks. Future space exploration may see even more exoplanets detected. Searching will require robots and space telescopes to search for life in Oceans or rock structures. When this book was published only 900 had been discovered and the numbers have increased since then. Finding life either unicellular or multicellular  would be an incredible achievement. Edward Wilson is skeptical that intelligent life would be prevalent. Although it is not impossible, it may just be rare. After all humans are different from other animals on Earth and it took millions of years of evolution to reach it current level of intelligence. When the discussion of  intelligent life form  existence is mentioned Wilson relies too much on speculation. There are assumptions that they would be land dwelling creatures, be relatively large, and would have cephalization. He provides an image of an anthropomorphized organism. This may not be the case if such organisms exist. Assuming that evolution functions in the same manner or differently depending on  the environment  extraterestrial life would look radically different from humans. Every animal on Earth has gone through some form of biological evolution and may continue to do so depending on conditions of their biomes. There is also the likelihood that many species both simple and advance would become extinct before humanity reaches them.  The Meaning of Human Existence  mentions how biodiversity is critical to survival of various species. This functions on three levels : ecosystems, species, and genes. Wilson has warned that humanity's disregard for the environment and playing roles in the accelerated extinction of particular species is an attack on humanity itself. Pollution and the use of fossil fuels has cause irreversible damage. Humanity may find itself extinct before finding other among the stars. Knowing this there could have been life in the universe, but was wiped out. There is a tendency to see the Earth as a unique and special place, but it is one of many planets. When more exoplanets are discovered this will open up more questions into the nature of existence. 

          The Meaning of Human Existence also discusses the concepts of free will and instinct. Wilson proclaims "instinct in humans is basically the same as instinct in animals." He goes on to say " however it is not  the genetically fixed, invariant behavior displayed by most animal species." The argument is that human beings use both reason and emotion, which creates this difference. People are more emotional, than rational. This projects itself in high risk behavior or deleterious actions. At times this would contradict the desire for survival. Human behavior is not entirely cultural or biological. It is a combination of both. To choose one over the other reduces a complex story of human evolution and environmental change. This is not to say that human nature is driven by simple instinct. The cerebrum that evolved in humans gave them the ability to have a wide range of learning and reasoning ability. Other animals require just instinct for survival. Sea turtles when they are born know to head to the sea when they hatch. The three spined sickleback fish changes its behavior when territory and mates are being sought after. The human brain evolved to contribute to survival. As social organization became more pivotal intelligence was require to keep the human species going. Humankind did not have the adaptations of claws, large teeth, or high running speed to compete with larger animals. That was why communication in the form of language was a major turning point in human history. Instinct allows organisms to have a sense of their surroundings and possibly warn of danger. If instinct has a biological basis this questions the concept of free will. Maybe people are not really in control of their choices. Free will and consciousness seem to be questions best left to philosophers rather than scientists. Neuroscience wants to  elucidate the nature of consciousness through a scientific method. The Brain Activity Map Project wants to document every element in regards to the change of neural activity of the human brain. Wilson poses a the question of free will's existence. He delineates it as this : " yes, if not in ultimate reality, then at least in the operational sense necessary for sanity and the perpetuation of the human species." There could be free will and it may have started when the first humans became self aware. The moment early genus homo species realized they were different from other animals could be the point in which some free will manifested. However, it is too early to make proclamations about free will or consciousness. More must be discovered about the human brain and biological evolution to make a conclusion. 

        The topic of religion inevitably will be mentioned in discourses on existence. The wonderful aspect of  The Meaning of Human Existence is that it does not avoid a controversial subject. All around the world there have been various peoples and civilizations who believe in a higher power. This is not just a sociological factor, but a biological one. Such beliefs may have been a survival mechanism in the Paleolithic and Neolithic past. It provided an explanation to the world and existence, when there was no other method of doing so. Creation myths as Edward Wilson explains were designed to keep cohesion in a tribal group. The problem with religion is rigid dogma, which has caused much conflict both in the past and in the present. Religion is caught in an Absolute Paradox as articulated by Soren  kierkegaard. Fixation on dogma is not only impractical it is impossible to achieve in praxis. Most religions would be difficult to follow perfectly. Everyone is not always going to be a good Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or other all the time. There is nothing wrong with having a belief system, the problem is irrational devotion to ideas that lack evidence or support. Dogma can even infect science. Scientism can also be similar to religion in its worship of the field. This would not be an alternative to the religious dogma that has been resurrected in the 21st century. The reason people keep their religion is because they want to convince themselves life has meaning and purpose. The idea that meaning is something that has to be discovered through thought and serious introspection holds too much uncertainty. There is also another matter which induces more trepidation. Death will come to us either by natural causes, disease, or murder. Many are comforted by the idea that their is the immortality of the soul or an afterlife. There is no evidence for an afterlife or a powerful deity that controls human destiny. Faith does not equate to fact. Edward Wilson articulates this as not a debate of fact versus faith, rather understanding what is existence on both a scientific and philosophical level. Dogma must be discarded  as well as the tribal gods and demons. This task is insuperable. It is almost shocking that in an age of advance science and technology, there are large sections of society that cling to superstition. Only with the promotion of scientific literacy can such religious fundamentalism be challenged. 

       The true meaning of human existence is not based on the act of creation, rather it is found in science and the natural history of the past. Humanities can explain the human condition, but science provides the technical articulation of natural phenomena. To have a full grasp of existence, an individual should obtain a strong knowledge base of both fields. Humanity may be an accident as the book suggests. Yet, this is not an argument for nihilism. There is an opportunity for greater freedom and wonder. There is promise with new technology that could improve health, infrastructure, or explore space further. This could be threatened or stopped if warfare, fanaticism, or anti-intellectual fervor becomes predominant. The Meaning of Human Existence   is an proposing a new paradigm of scientific humanism. Science and the humanities will be sued to improve civilization and society. There must be a counter to extremism represented in the form of creationism, climate change denial, or a general anti-science sentiment. With threats to humanity such as war, poverty, economic turmoil, or environmental decline the need for self-understanding is more important than ever. People must have the knowledge and tools to navigate a rapidly changing world. Cautious approaches should be made with new technologies and advancements. Too much is already known to stop the further manipulation of our own biology and environment. Providing an exact answer to human existence is just as arduous as providing solutions to the world's problems. Creation myths or explanations based on the religious or supernatural cannot answer such a complicated and intricate question. Doing so would be intellectually dishonest. It is worse to provide a wrong answer as truth,  than to say one simply does not know . There is an  answer to the meaning of human existence.Wilson sees the answer coming from both the humanities and science,because they have an origin in the human mind. Only then will humanity have a full understanding of existence. The Meaning of  Human Existence is a refreshing examination of science and the past of humankind . If humankind is to have a future it must comprehend the natural world and the organisms that reside in it. Whatever the true meaning of existence is, the possibilities are endless.