The theory of evolution through natural selection is familiar to us from school and, it would seem, can be of interest only to those who are fond of or professionally engaged in biology. But, in addition to the obvious successes in explaining the diversity of living organisms, this theory has other, less obvious, but no less important consequences. One of the most famous modern philosophers, professor at Tufts University (USA) Daniel Dennett shows how Darwin's theory changes our ideas about the structure of the world and about ourselves. The principle of evolution through natural selection allows you to explain everything that exists without resorting to higher goals and mystical forces. It demonstrates the birth of order from chaos, meaning from meaninglessness and morality from animal instincts. The principle of evolution is a new way of thinking that allows you to understand how the most exalted phenomena of culture arose and developed solely by virtue of biological abilities. Darwin's "dangerous" idea destroys the notion of human exceptionalism, but in return gives people the opportunity to truly know themselves.