We develop a general theory of evolution that can be considered a comprehensive generalization and extension of Darwin’s theory. The basic idea is to consider not only the evolution of genetic information—as Darwin did—but also the evolution of very general information. It shows that evolution is characterized by the fact that new types of information have developed in leaps and bounds, each with new storage technologies, new duplication technologies and new processing technologies. This unified concept of evolution makes it possible, among other things, to (1) achieve a unified view of biological and cultural evolution; (2) find a natural periodization of the evolution from the formation of the earth until today; and (3) understand the rapid acceleration of evolution through the emergence of targeted variation mechanisms.