The editors present a collection of essays dealing with both the life and ideas of Charles Darwin as they relate to human sociobiology. They represent themes coming from evolutionary theory, cultural anthropology, political science, sociology, and psychology and psychiatry. Consistent with E. O. Wilson's Consilience, the compilation also reflects an interest in the humanities and thus offers materials exploring the possibility of a broad synthesis of knowledge relating to human nature.

Beyond the theory and evidence offered in these disciplines is the promise of finding explanations for, and solutions to, current human differences and problems.