Edward O. Wilson, whose research into ant behavior unlocked insights into human society, has left us.
This is one of my favorite quotes from Wilson’s groundbreaking work:
I have a special regard for altruism and devotion to duty, believing them virtues that exist independent of approval and validation. I am stirred by accounts of soldiers, policemen, and firemen who have died in the line of duty. I can be brought to tears with embarrassing quickness by the solemn ceremonies honoring those heroes. The sight of Iwo Jima and Vietnam Memorials pierces me for the witness they bear of men who gave so much, and who expected so little in life, and the strength ordinary people possess that held civilization together in dangerous times. (p. 25, Naturalist)
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Oikos,
Thank you for the reblog!
Fantastic words
I will admit to being similarly affected by such stories.
Powerful words. Reminded me of Peter S. Beagle’s “Real magic can never be made by offering someone else’s liver. You must tear out your own, and not expect to get it back.”
I like that!
Thank you for calling his passing to my attention.
Alie,
His Naturalist is a good introduction to his life’s work and passion.
This is just wonderful!
Jennie,
Wilson was a gifted synthesizer and communicator. The sciences need more like him.
Yes, indeed!
Happy New Year Mike!
Dear Mike,
How sad it is to learn that the eminent scientist Edward O Wilson has passed away on Boxing Day! Thank you for composing a post about him.
Had he lived for another ten years, perhaps another two or three books could have materialized. Of all the scientists who have passed away in my lifetime, his departure is of the most profound loss for me.
My latest post entitled “😱 We have Paleolithic Emotions; Medieval Institutions; and God-like Technology 🏰🛰” is a special tribute to Wilson. The direct link is:
https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2021/12/31/we-have-paleolithic-emotions-medieval-institutions-and-god-like-technology/
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
May you find 2022 very much to your liking and highly conducive to your travelling, writing, reading, thinking, researching, critiquing and blogging whatever topics that take your intellectual fancy and academic whim!
Take care and prosper!
Yours sincerely,
SoundEagle
I read your post, and heartily agree. And here’s hoping we as a species do a little maturing before we wreck everything we hold dear.
Dear Mike,
Happy February to you! I would like to inform you that I have greatly expanded the aforementioned post, including but not limited to augmenting the post with three brand new sections, namely, the Career Overview, the Conclusions and the Gallery, which you are welcome to view and comment on.
The Gallery presents ten high-resolution graphical illustrations, the largest of which attains a dimension of 4038 by 2539 pixels.
Yours sincerely,
SoundEagle
There is also an animation.
I realize it’s not a good thing to say, but I have never read any of Wilson’s books…so what would you recommend? What’s his best book in your view?
Naturalist is a good place to start. I haven’t read his novel Anthill, though I’ve heard it’s a great intro to his world view.