By Jeremiah Tattersall
Part autobiography, part science lesson and part atheist manifesto, Anarchy Evolution is a must read for all punk rockers with an interest in naturalism. Greg Graffin, the lead singer for Bad Religion and professor of evolutionary biology at UC Los Angeles, offers insights into how his world views have been shaped by the innate rebelliousness of punk rock and the uncompromising realities of empirical science.
Griffin’s defiant attitude shines in his frequent challenging of scientific dogmas and counter culture norms, the mark of a good scientist and punk rocker.
The sections on atheism are reminiscent of Stephen Jay Gould with constant questioning and presenting of facts; a welcome departure from the condescending, dismissive tone of Dawkins, Hitchens and company. He reveals how he came to his personal philosophy by reconciling his views on love and the afterlife with the seemingly pointless drive of biology.
His position on environmentalism is described in detail but which political home his world view has found is left to speculation. Is he a social democrat? An anarchist? A tea person? After reading Anarchy Evolution, I’m not sure, but I’ll rock the cross buster more proudly then ever.
Nice review, Jeremiah. Right to the point.
I agree with Henry. Nice review.