Acclaimed as a public scientist and as a spokesperson on pressing environmental and equity issues, delivering his message from the classroom to 60 Minutes, Paul R. Ehrlich reflects on his life, including his love affair with his wife, Anne, his scientific research, his public advocacy, and his concern for global issues. Interweaving the range of his experiences—as an airplane pilot, a desegregationist, a proud parent—Ehrlich’s insights are priceless on pressing issues such as biodiversity loss, overpopulation, depletion of resources, and deterioration of the environment. A lifelong advocate for women’s reproductive rights, Ehrlich also helped to debunk scientific bias associating skin color and intelligence and warned some fifty years ago about a possible pandemic and the likely ecological consequences of a nuclear war.

This book is a vital contribution to literature focused on the human predicament, including problems of governance and democracy in the 21st century, and insight into the ecological and evolutionary science of our day. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding global change, our planet’s wonders, and a scientific approach to the present existential threats to civilization.

The book is published by Yale University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

“Entirely entertaining.... Consistently interesting stories from a famous scientist’s busy life.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“It’s what you’d hope from the greatest living population biologist, who has thrived in science and policy controversies for 70 years.” (Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel)

“In this compellingly readable, rich book, a great human being takes us on the road that led to his view of life.” (Carl Safina, author of Becoming Wild)