Stephen Jay Gould's essays on evolution address both the purely political and non-intellectual disputes stirred up by proponents of creationism, as well as the fascinating debate currently taking place within evolutionary theory. The incorporation of evolutionary questions into seemingly unrelated political discussions highlights both the extensive reach of this worldview and the inextricable connection between scientific and social issues. The deeper and clearer perspective that emerges from evolutionary theory could enhance our understanding of science and explanatory processes in general by emphasizing the apparent randomness of history and sudden changes that only make sense in hindsight, as opposed to the image of a predictable and orderly world.