The Third Chimpanzee

The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal

By: Jared Diamond

Narrated by: Rob Shapiro

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The Development of an Extraordinary Species....

We human beings share 98 percent of our genes with chimpanzees. Yet humans are the dominant species on the planet - having founded civilizations and religions, developed intricate and diverse forms of communication, learned science, built cities, and created breathtaking works of art - while chimps remain animals concerned primarily with the basic necessities of survival. What is it about that two percent difference in DNA that has created such a divergence between evolutionary cousins?

In this fascinating, provocative, passionate, funny, endlessly entertaining work, renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning author and scientist Jared Diamond explores how the extraordinary human animal, in a remarkably short time, developed the capacity to rule the world...and the means to irrevocably destroy it.

©2006 Jared Diamond (P)2012 Random House Audio

great follow up to G G, & S

if you liked Guns, Gerns, and Steel, you will love this too. if you have read Harari, this is for you as well.

A Precursor to Guns, Germs and Steel

The book was apparently the first that Jared Diamond wrote, and is excellent. It is about 25 years old, however, and some of the information is out of date.

Some of the information was elaborated in Guns, Germs and Steel.

nice

everytime i read this, i get so much out of it.
... a little of the info is out dated. but, its still awesome, i mean its GD Jared Diamond come on

Out standing

As important today as when first published in '92. A must read. Is there still hope?

Engaging

Content was excellent. Narration was enjoyable and engaging. I recommend this book for those seeking ways not to repeat past ecological mistakes.

Not really outdated

What Jared Diamond says throughout his book are much the same, although the numbers may larger today, the facts still remain the same

Great book

Would you listen to The Third Chimpanzee again? Why?

I have listened to it twice now. There are certain things I think that require a second review, also it gives you a chance to completely understand certain aspects of the book. I think it does a great job of explaining certain aspects of our evolution that is overlooked or not talked about in other books, or at least it makes the information understandable to someone like me, that is someone who is not in academia.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Third Chimpanzee?

I found the portion of the book discussing the differences between the neanderthals and the homo sapiens was the most interesting to me, as I knew hardly anything about it and it really stood out to me.

Have you listened to any of Rob Shapiro’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't believe I have, but he did a great job of making this type of book a great listen. I think that can make a world of difference.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I am not sure the question applies to this book, but as I wrote above he part about the neanderthals was, I suppose moving, as it speculates on whether or not we share any DNA with them, as well as goes into how little we know about their culture and if they had any.

Any additional comments?

I think it could use a bit of updating, but still a very solid book which anyone who wants to have an opinion on the subject should read. Highly recommended.

works well in audio

Still a compelling read even though some of the intonmation is out of date (Eg we share Neanderthal dna).' if you liked Guns Germs and Steel this is a nice complement.

A painful must read

This book is the compelling story of the rise and possible fall of humanity. Well thought out and articulately written, this. Book brings together many facts from a surprising diversity of disciplines to bare the the side of human progress that we would rather not see.

Loads of interesting ideas

This book contains lots of interesting material on many topics. While it would perhaps have benefited from being more focused, it is extremely informative and stimulating