Dark Nature cover

Dark Nature

by Lyall Watson

Biologist and naturalist Lyall Watson now brings forth a stunning exploration of the origin and nature of evil. Plotting the evolution of human evil from earth's earliest creatures to the society we have become today, in Dark Nature Watson redefines good and evil in biological terms. Drawing on the latest insights of evolutionary ethology, anthropology, and psychology, he takes a fresh look at the problems our species faces as a result of being too numerous, too greedy, and too mobile. Watson utilizes a vast array of sources, from the theories of Charles Darwin to the writings of Annie Dillard, to examine the motivations and driving forces behind evil behavior as well as the invisible order that preserves the delicate balance between "civilized" society and anarchy. Dark Nature is a groundbreaking and fascinating work that takes evil out of the realm of monsters and demons and puts it squarely back where it belongs, in nature and in our lives.

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Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?