The theory of evolution through natural selection is familiar to us from school and, it would seem, could only be of interest to those who are interested in or professionally involved in biology. But, in addition to the obvious successes in explaining the diversity of living organisms, this theory also has other, less obvious, but no less important consequences. One of the most famous modern philosophers, professor at Tufts University (USA) Daniel Dennett shows how Darwin's theory changes our ideas about the structure of the world and about ourselves. The principle of evolution through natural selection allows us to explain everything that exists without resorting to higher goals and mystical forces. It demonstrates the birth of order from chaos, meaning from meaninglessness and morality from animal instincts. The principle of evolution is a new way of thinking that allows us to understand how the most sublime phenomena of culture arose and developed solely through the power of biological abilities. Darwin's "dangerous" idea destroys the idea of human exceptionalism, but in return gives people the opportunity to truly know themselves. The book was translated by M. Semikolennykh, candidate of cultural studies, researcher at the Russian Chemical Academy.