The Creation

By guest host John Hockenberry:

If the world could talk, what would it say to humans about our impact on the planet? Perhaps the voices of warning and the signs of change are all around us and humanity is not listening. Does humanity value the diversity and richness of nature? Will we miss it when and if it goes away?

Somberly watching nature go and passionately seeking a way to mobilize humanity to save it is biologist E.O. Wilson. His new book "Creation" is an eloquent plea to find a common language for understanding, revering, and protecting nature.

We look forward by looking back at creation with one of the most important scientists in America: E.O. Wilson.

---- Quotes from the Show ----

"The first arrival of humanity ... whenever that's happened ... there is a wave of extinction of the large mammals and in some cases the giant birds."

"Hawaii is one of the hottest of the hot spots in the world — that is to say where a rich fauna or where there used to be a rich fauna has largely been wiped out." E.O. Wilson

"Science and religion are the two most powerful social forms in the world and if they can be brought together — the knowledge of science the documentation thereof and the possible solutions to big problems with the numbers and muscle power and the spiritual and moral fervor and dedication of the religious believers — then a lot can be accomplished and I believe that will include saving biodiversity of the creation." E.O. Wilson

Guests:

E.O. Wilson, Professor of Biology Emeritus and Honorary Curator in Entomology at Harvard University. He is author of numerous books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Ants" and "On Human Nature." His most recent book is "The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth."

Dr. Gerald Durley, Pastor of the Providence Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia.