Epigenetic Rules: some clarification

The central concept expressed in E.O.Wilson’s book Consilience: the unity of knowledge (1997) is that of epigenetic rules. Collectively speaking they are inherited behaviours and ideas that all humans have in common. They are frequently expressed in the arts and in social taboos.

Epigenetic rules could be thought of as strong instinct or innate comportment before they are modified by the natural and cultural environment. They represent the basic elements of human nature. We could also say that it is the "uncarved block" described by Taoist philosophers, or the "noble savage" of Rousseau before it is modified by culture.

The existence of epigenetic rules for elaborate conventions such as totemism, elder councils and religious ceremonies predispose people to invent them (Wilson, 1998 p.181). We could argue that we are born with an epigenetic rule for God. That is, we are predisposed to believe in God regardless of whether He exists or not, as Voltaire once said "If God did not exist we would invent Him."