William B. Miller

Cognition-Based Evolution is the first comprehensive alternative to 20th-century Neodarwinism, proposing a radical 21st-century evolutionary framework with a novel point of origination: all cells are intelligent and must measure uncertain environmental information to sustain themselves. In Cognition-Based Evolution, life is defined by cognition. From this differential stance, evolutionary biology transforms into the science of why, how, what, and with whom cells measure and communicate under stressful environmental conditions. Life's context is uncertain environmental information, communication is its means, and genes are its tools. Evolution is its yield as continuous non-random self-referential cellular problem-solving.

Cognition-Based Evolution is the first comprehensive alternative to 20th-century Neodarwinism, proposing a radical 21st-century evolutionary framework with a novel point of origination: all cells are intelligent and must measure uncertain environmental information to sustain themselves. In Cognition-Based Evolution, life is defined by cognition. From this differential stance, evolutionary biology transforms into the science of why, how, what, and with whom cells measure and communicate under stressful environmental conditions. Life's context is uncertain environmental information, communication is its means, and genes are its tools. Evolution is its yield as continuous non-random self-referential cellular problem-solving.

For as long as humans have been on Earth, we have looked up to the stars for clues to our own existence. Medical doctor and evolutionary biologist William B. Miller, Jr. suggests that we may find more meaningful solutions at the end of a microscope rather than a telescope. Using powerful analogies and exacting science, Bioverse explores the wonders of the perpetual partnership between our personal cells and the microbial world, resulting in an entirely new view of our living planet. To understand life in all its varieties, we must undertake to understand our cells. While the partnership between our cells and our microbes has largely been thought of as that of “host” and “guest,” Miller reveals the true partnership under which both our microbial fraction and our own personal cells conduct a life-long dialogue, redefining our traditional conceptions of intelligence and problem-solving. This radical new approach explains exactly how our human choices are centered within the same cellular rules that enable our cells to seamlessly sustain our lives. We are now entering the “Era of the Cell,” a time in history during which medical and scientific innovations have spurred growth far beyond ever imagined by our ancestors. For the first time, we are not only building machines to enhance our lives but engineering living organisms to assist our futures. From the biological origins of evolution to the invention of the compound microscope by a Dutch lens maker in the 17th century, to new research that reveals surprising links between our microbiome and our moods and behavior, and surprising stories of the cellular world from the deepest oceans, wildest jungles, and outer reaches of our solar system, Miller introduces readers to a greater understanding of our impact on the planet and the world’s reciprocal impact on each of us. By exploring the extent of our deeply integrated cellular world, Bioverse provides profound insights about ourselves, our health and well-being, our social systems, and our permanent relationship to the planet and the cosmos.

Father Bill Miller appreciates both spirits and the Holy Spirit. As an Episcopal priest and the owner of Padre's bar in Marfa, Texas, he understands that spiritual lessons can be drawn from everyday living as well as the finer things in life-a smoky Scotch, a robust Zinfandel, PBR in a can. Father Bill believes that being upright does not mean you have to be uptight. In The Beer Drinker's Guide to God, he brews up insightful, beautifully written reflections on how alcoholic beverages can reveal the true nature of God. He weaves together stories from his life in ministry, his travels in search of the world's best Scotch, his attempts at brewing his own beer, and colorful evenings in his Texan bar. He also reflects on the lessons he's learned from roller derby, playboy bunnies, Las Vegas, and his attempts to marry Miss Universe, all while writing about generosity, sacrifice, pilgrimage, and spiritual transformation. From the deeply touching to the laugh-out-loud funny, these stories ultimately open our minds to the glory of God and our mouths to some of his more delicious creations.The Beer Drinker's Guide to God is a smart, earnest, hilarious book for those thirsty for God's truth.