The Book of Humans

De: Adam Rutherford

Narrado por: Adam Rutherford

We like to think of ourselves as exceptional beings, but are we really any more special than other animals? Humans are the slightest of twigs on a single family tree that encompasses four billion years, a lot of twists and turns, and a billion species. All of those organisms are rooted in a single origin, with a common code that underwrites our existence. This paradox - that our biology is indistinct from all life, yet we consider ourselves to be special - lies at the heart of who we are.

In this original and entertaining tour of life on Earth, Adam Rutherford explores how many of the things once considered to be exclusively human are not: we are not the only species that communicates, makes tools, utilises fire or has sex for reasons other than to make new versions of ourselves. Evolution has, however, allowed us to develop our culture to a level of complexity that outstrips any other observed in nature.

The Book of Humans tells the story of how we became the creatures we are today, bestowed with the unique ability to investigate what makes us who we are. Illuminated by the latest scientific discoveries, it is a thrilling compendium of what unequivocally fixes us as animals and reveals how we are extraordinary among them.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2018 Adam Rutherford (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group

Interesting story telling about technical content

Fantastic book on a fundamental subject , well told with right balance of fact, humour and openness

so inspiring!

I definitely needed this wonderful mix of information and inspiration, of curiosity and wisdom, of love for nature and love for humanity.