This is fascinating because it never mentions the role of publishing in the field of science. There is a huge pressure to "publish or perish" which seems at odds with much of the advice given here.
Because EO Wilson had the great fortune to be borne into a world less focussed on peer review citation index scores and annual grant applications. Other people did ranking and grants were just handled differently.
It's from a time when the university system worked better. Now, to be a Real Scientist, you have to hire someone to churn out the meaningless papers for you or not be an academic- just be independently wealthy and stick your results on your website.