Darwin's Dangerous Idea

Evolution and the Meanings of Life

By: Daniel C. Dennett

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

In a book that is both groundbreaking and accessible, Daniel C. Dennett, whom Chet Raymo of The Boston Globe calls "one of the most provocative thinkers on the planet", focuses his unerringly logical mind on the theory of natural selection, showing how Darwin's great idea transforms and illuminates our traditional view of humanity's place in the universe. Dennett vividly describes the theory itself and then extends Darwin's vision with impeccable arguments to their often surprising conclusions, challenging the views of some of the most famous scientists of our day.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2013 Daniel C. Dennett (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Better read than listened to

I like the content, but many of the concepts are difficult to follow in audible form. Definitely worth reading.

Enjoyable-

I found this book very enjoyable. As this is not Dennett’s field he has to explain how he comes to his conclusions and who helped him get to them. This helps a laymen like me. He explains each section of the book very clearly and gives you an idea where he’s headed. It would be helpful to have read Dawkins prior to this book. It’s a good recap of the selfish gene, blind watchmaker and the extended phenotype.

Dennett is a philosopher and sometimes he can be a little long winded in his examples before making his ultimate point. The only truly annoying thing about this book is each reference cited is spoken out at the end of the citation ie “Dawkins 1978 page 52”

very insightful

I have a love for evolution and reading this has given me great supplementary knowledge that I can look back to and quote.

Brilliant - Do not overlook this one!!

This is one of the top 10 best books I read in 2022.
Dennett is knowledgeable and a great storyteller.

Human to the core.
Philosopher to the max.
Scientist translator and integrator.

This is truly brilliant.

Thank you!!

A "new" classic

Only 20y old, but already a classic, deserving to be "read" periodically, not just once! 1,5x speed works better, though.