E. O. Wilson

Date of Birth: June 10, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: December 26, 2021

Biography

Edward Osborne Wilson, commonly known as E. O. Wilson, was an American biologist, naturalist, and writer who was often referred to as the “father of sociobiology” and the “father of biodiversity.” Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Wilson developed an early interest in nature and the natural world. He is best known for his pioneering work on the behavior of ants and is considered one of the world’s leading experts in myrmecology, the study of ants. Wilson earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Alabama and his Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he later became a professor. Over his career, he authored more than 30 books and 400 scientific papers. His groundbreaking book, “Sociobiology: The New Synthesis,” published in 1975, introduced the concept that social behaviors have a genetic basis, sparking both acclaim and controversy. In addition to his scientific contributions, Wilson was a passionate advocate for the conservation of biodiversity. His works “The Diversity of Life” and “Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life” highlighted the importance of preserving Earth’s biodiversity. Throughout his life, Wilson received numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes for General Non-Fiction.

5 Interesting Facts about E. O. Wilson

1. E. O. Wilson lost the sight in his right eye after a fishing accident at the age of seven.

2. He discovered the first colony of fire ants in the United States.

3. Wilson coined the term “biodiversity” and was a key figure in popularizing the concept.

4. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for his books “On Human Nature” (1979) and “The Ants” (1991).

5. He was a lifelong advocate for the conservation of natural habitats and co-founded the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from E. O. Wilson

1. “We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.”

2. “The human mind evolved to believe in the gods. It did not evolve to believe in biology.”

3. “Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.”

4. “The natural world is the refuge of the spirit, remote, static, richer even than human imagination.”

5. “Perhaps the time has come for an all-out campaign to reorient civilization toward a safer trajectory.”