Naturalist

An engaging and well-written account of the famous biologist's intellectual development from his early to his mature years and most important achievements. Nice discussions of some of his most interesting and important ideas punctuate this history. For example, there's a good section on the origin and development of his ecological ideas and the theory of island biogeography. Wilson is always a cautious but careful writer and thinker, but in a couple of the sections, he gets at least a little bit speculative and is all the more entertaining for it. For example, his discussion of the innateness of our fear of spiders and snakes is entertaining (Wilson himself is very phobic about spiders). Equally entertaining is the section where he discusses people's preference for a particular type of environment or ecology (subalpine or montane foothills parkland or partially wooded savannah with some lakes). Wilson attributes this to it being the environment where we originally evolved. Overall it counts as one of the best scientific biographies I've ever read.

This book gives one a real sense of what the natural world is like through the eyes of a very influential naturalist. This book follows the life of E.O. Wilson from childhood to show how the outside world impacted his life. A great read!!

How far have city-bred enterprises removed us from our natural heritage? E.O. Wilson, author of so many wonderful ideas and books, has here revealed himself as a human being of immense strength and courtly self-awareness. Sharing with us so many aspects of his personal life and scientific endeavors, Wilson shows how a bit of dedication can overcome obstacles most of us find daunting. Raised in the rural South, losing the sight of one eye, his struggles to gain a place as a scientist are inspiring. More importantly, he makes clear how much remains to be done by the upcoming generations in determining our true place in the natural order. This work is a clarion call for aspiring young scientists to enter research, following paths similar to his own.The editorial reviews here focus overmuch on the sociobiology 'controversy'. Sociobiology is a major thesis in examining humanity's place in nature. Rejecting this idea out of hand continues to impair understanding of how important an idea sociobiology is, although he spends little time on it in this book. Much of his work has focussed on animal behaviour from ants through mammals. People remain resistant to the idea that we are somehow associated with 'the beasts', but Wilson demonstrates the continuity of behaviour patterns throughout the animal kingdom. Until we address that issue honestly, which is a major aspect of Wilson's work, we will never understand who we truly are. His studies stress that until we achieve that understanding, we will continue to unwittingly intrude on our own environment. The loss of species threatens our own existence.The major advantage of this book is its honesty. Wilson pulls few punches and reviews his own prejudices and how he overcame them. He demonstrates how important this self assessment is to scientists and the public alike. The growth of understanding of genetics has impacted all biology. Wilson relates candidly his own grudging acceptance of the new ideas genetic research have given us. He's to be commended for both his candor and flexibility.

This autobiography of one of world's foremost biogeographers and proponents of the conservation of biodiversity should be read by every undergraduate and graduate biology student in the country. It provides insights into how one can gain insight into the natural world, where scientific questions can come from, the importance of looking for detail, and a perspective on how science can be done. The book is well written and informative. It also provides a sense of perspective for all the people out there who, as children (or adults), found themselves drawn to puddles of water, weedy fields, seashores, or other havens of biodiversity. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to practicing and armchair naturalists everywhere.

E.O. Wilson shows us the essence of what it is to be a naturalist and a professional scientist, as well as a complete and happy human. His progression from a child who never quite fit in and communed with insects and animals instead of humans, to a world renowned scientist and professor was inspiring. This book shows the author's love for his work, his family and for life. Here is the story of a man who has attained fulfillment in his work in a way most of us will never achieve. E.O. Wilson is an example of one who had the courage to follow his own dream and achieve happiness in a way few people can