E.O. Wilson: Of Ants & Men

This is a thought-provoking summary of some of Prof. Wilson's ideas and views, and captures a little of his life, of interest to his career, as well. I think that the visual impact of the various scenes, and the focus on certain ideas and things that he considers to be of particular importance, help one to understand his point of view better. Some of his ideas about social evolution are subtle. For example, I think that "altruism" gets "hard-wired" during a person's development. This does seem to relate to a group, not just a gene or replicator, level of evolution. However, I do not understand this well, nor does the film develop adequately some important subtleties. The film goes into very little depth, but because it is so focused on a number of very significant aspects of Prof. Wilson's thinking and biography, it is definitely worthwhile to view.

I have loved and followed Edward O Wilson since I read an article in Omni magazine years ago. I've never missed a book and I've never been disappointed for even a moment. For some strange reason I've always loved ants. Mister Wilson has allowed me to look through his eyes with the same sense of wonder I did as a child. Many thanks to Edward O Wilson and thank you for the video. Bless you both.

Quite simply one of the finest documentaries ever made. Period. E O Wilson is a complex individual who made sense out of extraordinary human behavior and how it resembles ants. To be compared with ants is deeply flattering considering they dominate the earth along with humans. A controversial figure who demonstrates that ridicule is the burden of genius in inventing the field of sociobiology. Your world will expand after watching this. As did the world for anyone who worked with Dr. Wilson.

E.O. Wilson is an amazing scientist and entomologist. In this two-hour documentary, he talks about the insect world -- especially ants and their social system, which bears some resemblance to ours. Lots of insights here. While some of the themes are pretty complex, Wilson, with his easy charm, does a good job of making them understandable to the layman.

If you want to understand who we humans are, this is a good place to start. I don't recall him using the word "instinct". He has made a profound, empirical contribution to our knowledge of ourselves. Wilson, by comparing us to ants, distinguishes us from our ants and our dogs in a miraculous way.

An excellent production showcasing the life and values of a brilliant, easy to like and incredibly intelligent and interesting man. I have come away with a new appreciation of the bio sciences. I highly recommend for adult and young adult viewing. The film is beautifully done, education and downright so interesting.

This documentary is highlighting the work of a brilliant, yet very humble naturalist, who has done some amazing science and reveals things about the animal kingdom and human nature that are great food for thought. He's very engaging and I was fascinated throughout. Highly Recommended!

This is a great story about a great scientist. I use a few clips from this in my classes and my students found Wilson’s views interesting.