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Can humans shape their own lives, or are they merely self-observing matter? Detlef Stapf takes his readers on a journey through a comprehensive theory of evolution. He covers a vast spectrum, from the origins of the universe to the eventual overcoming of humanity through artificial intelligence. Common definitions of language, thought and consciousness, as well as conventional views on free will and the meaning of life, are put to the test, as are the properties of the universe and the mechanisms of replication. Examples from ancient and modern societies illustrate why actors in politics and business inevitably act against their own interests. This behaviour is particularly evident in the current ecological crisis and in the use of AI systems. History—so the author argues—provides us with sufficient information to deduce what the future of humanity will look like. As a result, phenomena such as religion and conservatism are undergoing a remarkable rehabilitation.
