Evolution, Human Nature, and Our Purpose in Life | Samuel Wilkinson, MD

Conventionally, we are taught that evolution implies there is no ultimate purpose to our existence, that life lacks inherent meaning — we are the product of countless intricate molecular and genetic accidents. And to many, evolution leaves little room for, and perhaps even contradicts, the existence of a deity. 

However, our guest on this episode, Samuel Wilkinson, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Yale University, thinks there is another way to look at evolution. Drawing from an array of disciplines ranging from evolutionary biology to cognitive science, Dr. Wilkinson provides a framework for evolution suggesting not only that there is an overarching purpose to our existence, but what that purpose is. He presents this framework in his 2024 book, Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of Our Existence. 

Over the course of our conversation, Dr. Wilkinson shares how an existential crisis during medical school led him down the path of exploring the ways evolution can be reconciled with fundamental questions and answers about life's meaning; how navigating the dual potential of human nature — pulling us between selfishness and altruism, aggression and cooperation — is key to understanding our purpose; why evolution does not exclude the possibility of existence of a god or gods; the importance of relationships in living fulfilling lives; the role of free will in the choice between good and evil; and more. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about: 

3:37 - How a drive to understand human nature drove Dr. Wilkinson to leave his engineering studies and pursue a career as a psychiatrist. 

4:44 - The scope of Dr. Wilkinson’s work at Yale 

7:13 - What studying depression has taught Dr. Wilkinson about human nature 

9:00 - How Dr. Wilkinson views the connection between evolution and God 

24:00 - How the central argument of Dr. Wilkinson’s book differs from intelligent design

26:41 - Dr. Wilkinson’s view of selfishness in human nature 

37:49 - The deeper meaning that Dr. Wilkinson sees within the biological patterns of evolution 

39:04 - The validity of moral relativism

43:42 - “The Rider and the Elephant” as a metaphor for human nature 

45:43 - Dr. Wilkinson’s thoughts on free will 

55:15 - How marriage can provide a cornerstone to building “a good life” 

58:10 - The way in which Dr. Wilkinson’s faith fits into his personal view of human nature 

1:04:42 - How Dr. Wilkinson brings these principles into his clinical practice 

Dr. Samuel Wilkinson is the author of Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of Our Existence (2024). 

Works and Individuals Discussed:

The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will by Robert Sapolsky

Michael Behe and the concept of intelligent design 

Free Will by Sam Harris