Hi Lab,
I'm so excited to officially share the final covers for my new book, “A Theory of Everyone: The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going.”
Before I share them, here’s the press release: https://www.thebookseller.com/.../basic-books-scoops...
And here are the pre-order links: https://linktr.ee/theoryofeveryone
And finally, here are the covers!
Early in my career, a lot of my academic author friends advised me not to write a book until it was bursting out of me. Until I couldn’t not write the book. Now that I’ve handed in the final copy edits, I can see what they meant and I would share the same advice.
Writing a book is a marathon. It’s consumed the last 2-3 years of my life. I’ve had to say no to so many opportunities to make sure I got it done. But I couldn’t not write the book. I couldn’t not do my best to make sure everyone understood these new discoveries about ourselves, our societies, and our future - the theory of everyone that underlies everything that we do.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be telling you more about the book, sharing snippets (perhaps a few longer previews for paid readers), and talking a bit about the writing process itself - I learned a lot about the process of publishing a book that I’d love to share with you.
In the meantime, here’s the press release:
Basic Books scoops Muthukrishna’s 'blueprint for a better life'
Basic Books has scooped A Theory of Everyone: Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going, Michael Muthukrishna’s "blueprint for a better life".
Nick Davies, m.d. of John Murray Press, and Sarah Caro, publishing director at Basic Books UK, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Muthukrishna’s first book for a general audience from MIT Press, for publication in hardback, e-book and audio on 28th September 2023.
In the book, Muthukrishna, associate professor of economic psychology at the London School of Economics, draws on research to paint a picture of who we are and what makes humans different from other forms of life. He argues that what sets us apart is our ability to create culture, a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experience passed on from generation to generation.
The synopsis said: "But it is only by understanding and applying the laws of life – the need for energy, innovation, co-operation and evolution – that we can solve the practical and existential challenges that face us now and in the future. A Theory of Everyone attempts to provide solutions for how to solve the most pressing problems of our collective future, such as polarization, inequality, the "great stagnation" in productivity, and the energy crisis."
Muthukrishna commented: “This book is about the future of humanity; about how each of our actions contributes to a collective brain. It’s about how Homo sapiens can reach the next level of abundance that leads to a better life for everyone and perhaps one day a civilization that spans the galaxy.
A Theory of Everyone reveals how we can tie our societies back together, create a fairer world, evolve better governance structures, trigger a creative explosion, and become our best selves, a beacon for future generations.”
Davies added: "A Theory of Everyone is absolutely fizzing with ideas. I guarantee that anyone who reads Michael’s book will emerge with a fresh perspective on our evolution and a renewed sense of optimism for our future."
Caro said: “It is not often that one comes across a thinker as exciting and original as Michael and we are delighted to welcome him to Basic Books.”
As always, please subscribe to stay in the loop.
As a bonus, Founding Lab Members get a signed copy of “A Theory of Everyone” shipped out on release or as soon as I have them.
Paid subscribers go into a draw for a signed copy.
If you’re as excited as I am about the book, please share these posts with your friends and followers!
Best wishes,
Michael