This is a very interesting book, bringing together a wonderful panel of scientists (most of whom write "Popular Science Books"). The first section highlights modern views of evolution and helped me to understand some of the differences between Dawkins (who I've read) and Gould (who I've not) and a number of other influential authors. The second section deals with the mind, brain, and consciousness, helping cement my mostly high opinions on the work of Minsky and Dennett, and firmly placing Roger Penrose in the "shut up or talk about something you actually know about" category. The sections on the origins of the universe and on complexity were quite interesting as well, introducing me to a number of authors and ideas that I was not familiar with. Don't expect to gain an in depth understanding from this book on any of the ideas discussed within it, but do use it as a launching point for further reading (the bibliography is fairly extensive).