This book is a synthesis of evolutionary ideas. And those that scientists of the 19th century, including Charles Darwin, can be proud of, and those that were expounded in modern times by researchers of society and culture. The author gives a detailed and unparalleled overview of the natural science and religious ideas that dominated the enlightened world before how Darwin's theory took its place in the scientific picture. He also describes the dramatic shifts that took place during the emergence of the new worldview, and comprehensively analyzes its impact on the way we reason today. The publishing layout is preserved in a4.pdf format.