A Theory of Everyone
The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going
A blueprint for a better future that offers a unified theory of human behavior, culture, and society.
Playing on the phrase 'a theory of everything' from physics, Michael Muthukrishna’s ambitious, original, and deeply hopeful book A Theory of Everyone draws on the most recent research from across the sciences, humanities, and the emerging field of cultural evolution to paint a panoramic picture of who we are and what exactly makes human beings different from all other forms of life on the planet.
Muthukrishna argues that it is our unique ability to create culture, a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experience passed on from generation to generation, that has enabled our current dominance. But it is only by understanding and applying the laws of life—the need for energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—that we can solve the practical and existential challenges we face as a species. A Theory of Everyone attempts to provide solutions for the most pressing problems of our collective future, such as polarization, inequality, the 'great stagnation' in productivity, and the energy crisis.
Casting a bold and wide net, Muthukrishna’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Playing on the phrase 'a theory of everything' from physics, Michael Muthukrishna’s ambitious, original, and deeply hopeful book A Theory of Everyone draws on the most recent research from across the sciences, humanities, and the emerging field of cultural evolution to paint a panoramic picture of who we are and what exactly makes human beings different from all other forms of life on the planet.
Muthukrishna argues that it is our unique ability to create culture, a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experience passed on from generation to generation, that has enabled our current dominance. But it is only by understanding and applying the laws of life—the need for energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—that we can solve the practical and existential challenges we face as a species. A Theory of Everyone attempts to provide solutions for the most pressing problems of our collective future, such as polarization, inequality, the 'great stagnation' in productivity, and the energy crisis.
Casting a bold and wide net, Muthukrishna’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
"A deep humanism lurks implicitly under the surface of every chapter. Muthukrishna presents a fundamentally optimistic narrative, brimming with ideas and concepts. A Theory of Everyone serves as a reality-based check on overly pessimistic or bearish works that see the end of human civilization and the diminution of our creative energies."
—Quillette
“A wildly ambitious romp toward a ‘periodic table for people.’”
—Harvard Magazine
“A fabulous book.”
—The Economist’s Babbage podcast
—Quillette
“A wildly ambitious romp toward a ‘periodic table for people.’”
—Harvard Magazine
“A fabulous book.”
—The Economist’s Babbage podcast
Introduction
Part I: Who We Are and How We Got Here
1. Laws of Life
2. The Human Animal
3. Human Intelligence
4. Innovation in the Collective Brain
5. Cooperation
Part II: Where We’re Going
7. Reuniting Humanity
8. Democracy for the 21st Century
9. Shattering the Glass Ceiling
10. Triggering a Creative Explosion
11. Improving the Internet
12. Becoming Brighter
Part I: Who We Are and How We Got Here
1. Laws of Life
2. The Human Animal
3. Human Intelligence
4. Innovation in the Collective Brain
5. Cooperation
Part II: Where We’re Going
7. Reuniting Humanity
8. Democracy for the 21st Century
9. Shattering the Glass Ceiling
10. Triggering a Creative Explosion
11. Improving the Internet
12. Becoming Brighter
About
A blueprint for a better future that offers a unified theory of human behavior, culture, and society.
Playing on the phrase 'a theory of everything' from physics, Michael Muthukrishna’s ambitious, original, and deeply hopeful book A Theory of Everyone draws on the most recent research from across the sciences, humanities, and the emerging field of cultural evolution to paint a panoramic picture of who we are and what exactly makes human beings different from all other forms of life on the planet.
Muthukrishna argues that it is our unique ability to create culture, a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experience passed on from generation to generation, that has enabled our current dominance. But it is only by understanding and applying the laws of life—the need for energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—that we can solve the practical and existential challenges we face as a species. A Theory of Everyone attempts to provide solutions for the most pressing problems of our collective future, such as polarization, inequality, the 'great stagnation' in productivity, and the energy crisis.
Casting a bold and wide net, Muthukrishna’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Playing on the phrase 'a theory of everything' from physics, Michael Muthukrishna’s ambitious, original, and deeply hopeful book A Theory of Everyone draws on the most recent research from across the sciences, humanities, and the emerging field of cultural evolution to paint a panoramic picture of who we are and what exactly makes human beings different from all other forms of life on the planet.
Muthukrishna argues that it is our unique ability to create culture, a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experience passed on from generation to generation, that has enabled our current dominance. But it is only by understanding and applying the laws of life—the need for energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—that we can solve the practical and existential challenges we face as a species. A Theory of Everyone attempts to provide solutions for the most pressing problems of our collective future, such as polarization, inequality, the 'great stagnation' in productivity, and the energy crisis.
Casting a bold and wide net, Muthukrishna’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Reviews
"A deep humanism lurks implicitly under the surface of every chapter. Muthukrishna presents a fundamentally optimistic narrative, brimming with ideas and concepts. A Theory of Everyone serves as a reality-based check on overly pessimistic or bearish works that see the end of human civilization and the diminution of our creative energies."
—Quillette
“A wildly ambitious romp toward a ‘periodic table for people.’”
—Harvard Magazine
“A fabulous book.”
—The Economist’s Babbage podcast
—Quillette
“A wildly ambitious romp toward a ‘periodic table for people.’”
—Harvard Magazine
“A fabulous book.”
—The Economist’s Babbage podcast
Author
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part I: Who We Are and How We Got Here
1. Laws of Life
2. The Human Animal
3. Human Intelligence
4. Innovation in the Collective Brain
5. Cooperation
Part II: Where We’re Going
7. Reuniting Humanity
8. Democracy for the 21st Century
9. Shattering the Glass Ceiling
10. Triggering a Creative Explosion
11. Improving the Internet
12. Becoming Brighter
Part I: Who We Are and How We Got Here
1. Laws of Life
2. The Human Animal
3. Human Intelligence
4. Innovation in the Collective Brain
5. Cooperation
Part II: Where We’re Going
7. Reuniting Humanity
8. Democracy for the 21st Century
9. Shattering the Glass Ceiling
10. Triggering a Creative Explosion
11. Improving the Internet
12. Becoming Brighter
Photos
Additional formats
Back to Top
/
1/2
2/2
Notifications