赫胥黎(Thomas Henry Huxley，1825-1895)，英國著名博物學傢，達爾文進化論最傑齣的代錶，自稱為“達爾文的鬥犬”。赫胥黎發錶過150多篇科學論文，內容涉及動物學、古生物學、地質學、人類學和植物學等多方麵知識。1893年，68歲高齡的他應友人邀請，在牛津大學舉辦瞭一次有關演化的講演，主要講述瞭宇宙過程中的自然力量與倫理過程中的人為力量相互激揚、相互製約、相互依存的根本問題。這份講稿經過整理，即為《天演論》。

Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) was one of the most prominent evolutionists of the late nineteenth century. A close companion of Charles Darwin, Huxley developed a reputation as 'Darwin's Bulldog' for his relentless defense of evolutionary theory. Huxley was also an ardent supporter of social reform, particularly in his call for quality education at all levels. "Evolution and Ethics", widely considered to be his greatest lecture, distilled a lifetime's wisdom and sensitive understanding of the nature and needs of humankind. Arguing that the human psyche is at war with itself, that humans are alienated in the cosmos, and that moral societies are necessarily in conflict with the natural conditions of their existence, Huxley nevertheless saw moral dictates as the key to future human happiness and success. This new edition features an introduction by renowned historian and philosopher of biology Michael Ruse, placing Huxley's lecture in its original context while showing its even deeper relevance for our own time.