Edward O. Wilson

The human mind is a product of both nature and nurture, and it is constantly being shaped by our experiences.

The study of ants taught me that the most complex societies can arise from simple rules.

The greatest joy in life is to discover something new and share it with the world.

The future of science lies in breaking down the barriers between disciplines.

We are not alone in the universe; life is likely to be abundant.

The human species is a work in progress, and we have the power to shape our own future.

The real problem of humanity is the following: we have paleolithic emotions; medieval institutions; and god-like technology.

We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.

The one process now going on that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us.

The evolutionary epic is probably the best myth we will ever have.

The great dilemma of environmental reasoning stems from this conflict between short-term and long-term values.

The most successful scientist thinks like a poet—wide-ranging, sometimes fantastical—and works like a bookkeeper.

In science and all its applications, we are always struggling with the limits of our intelligence. We are not angels.

The human brain is a product of evolution. It was not designed, but came into being through a process of relentless testing and winnowing.

We have created a Star Wars civilization, with Stone Age emotions, medieval institutions, and god-like technology.

The true cause of hatred and violence is faith versus faith, an idea that calls for the literal subjugation or death of the infidel.

The biological rule is that strong feelings are based on strong emotions, and strong emotions are based on strong biochemical drivers.

A culture that does not grasp the vital interplay between the biological and the social, between the sciences and the humanities, is a culture that will eventually decline.

The search for consilience is the foundation of the natural sciences. It is time to attempt the same for the social sciences and humanities.

Every major religion today is a winner in the Darwinian struggle waged among cultures, and none ever flourished by tolerating its rivals.