A Question of Evolution

A Question of Evolution is a fictional manifesto embedded in the story of Odon, a behavioral scientist turned political activist who grapples with the uncertain future of humanity. Fearful of extinction at the hands of tyrants if the public doesn't seize its destiny, he is driven to ignite a transformative movement, calling for a global awakening to impending dangers and sweeping social reforms. He can only hope that humankind will harness scientific advances to support its survival rather than passively allow the outcome to rest entirely on the vagaries of human nature or the fated day of Biblical prophecy. All the while, in an increasingly perilous world bereft of moral altruism and social cohesiveness, the question looms: can a love of life impel humanity to unite in time to save itself or will it devolve into the abyss? At the heart of Odon's vision is a developmentally informed program of secular education designed to establish social unity in future generations. In parallel fashion, to further militate against the rise of would-be dictators, he proposes the funding of research to determine whether gene therapy might eventually be used to repair detrimental mutations associated with misanthropy. With evolution moving at a glacial pace and existential threats swiftly on the rise, Odon and his group of influencers race against time to improve human relationships and gene expression across the globe before it is too late. In contrast, his wife, Abrece, is an optimistic fatalist who believes that the fate of humankind is in the hands of God as detailed in religious scripture. As mutually loving as the couple remain, the tension generated by their conflicting views is sometimes palpable and difficult to reconcile...until they merge. A commixture of references to history, current events, the natural and behavioral sciences, religion and government are interwoven to explore an answer to the mystery of the ages: what will become of humanity?