Product Description
We've all heard of people who experience a seemingly miraculous recovery from illness--but can the same thing happen for our whole world? According to pioneering biologist Bruce H. Lipton, it's not only possible, but it is already happening. On Spontaneous Evolution, this world-renowned expert in the emerging science of epigenetics reveals how our changing understanding of biology will help us navigate this turbulent period in our planet's history, and how each of us can participate in this global shift. In collaboration with political scientist Steve Bhaerman, Dr. Lipton invites listeners to explore: * Toppling the "unquestionable" pillars of biology: a startling re-examination of random evolution, survival of the fittest, the role of DNA, and the relationship betweenmind and matter * How our beliefs about nature and human nature shape our politics, culture, and individual lives * A prescription for change: how each of us can becomeactive members of the "immune system" of the planet. The experts agree: humankind is at a crossroads. What is the key to healing our planet? As Dr. Lipton and Steve Bhaerman explain, by changing the old beliefs that got us where we are today, we can trigger the spontaneous evolution of our species that will usher in a brighter future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Ensightful
These CDs are the most intriging I've heard - with the exception of his Wisdom of Your Cells.One must finish this collection with the idea that we are all united and control our own destiny.

Great
Thank you for this book. I got it in the promised condition and promised time.

Stay With It Until the End!
This is an excellent audio book, and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that many of the initial concepts discussed are not that new. Early on, I was starting to wonder if this book would produce any novel, imaginative ideas . . . good for the beginner anyway.But the last part was worth it all. Even though it's good to see many of our cherished, albeit corrupt societal ideals knocked down these days, what do we have to replace them? It can be depressing, to say the least . . .

Lipton and Bhaerman solve that existential problem to some extent.They compare the evolution of cells to the evolution of societies. While some of their logic is a tad inconsistent, there's too much truth here to ignore.They compare this current economic age to a reptilian predatory phase, soon to be superseded by a "mammalian" phase which will be marked by greater caring and sharing -- not because it's the "right" thing to do (which maybe it is), but because it makes common survival sense.Cooperation, not competition, is the hallmark of most natural orders, and humanity is just now learning about it and recovering the experiences of past isolated societies that had already known this. So as the "dinosaurs" of competition and corruption come crashing down around us, as the actual dinosaurs did apparently, there is a new potential order to look forward to -- one of realizing that each societal part has an essential purpose.Without all parts, we are incomplete.There IS no "survival of the fittest" in the long run. Just as a cell has limits on its growth, or its outer membrane will burst, no individual parts/members of a society can continue to grow at the expense of the rest. We already know what cancer cells running amok can do to the physical body . . . is it unreasonable to expect that society operates that much differently?

One more comment:I disagree a little with the first reviewer re. Lipton's speaking style. I've watched him lecture in person for several hours and the large audience was rapt the whole time.His speaking style keeps me alert and interested, despite the small flaws.

The Age of Aquarious!
These guys are great!This should be required reading in every high school or college.The perspective of ourselves as a cell in a bigger picture is right on.We see it looking upward or downward---fractal geometry they call it.I found the reading to be chatty and easy to listen too, it fact I hated to turn the engine off as I'd listened while commuting.

A great and enlightening study.Welcome finally to the awakening of humanity and the beginnings of the new age.

Worth a listen
Bruce Lipton is a brilliant scientist and he presents some very thought provoking ideas that he discussed in Biology of Belief regarding the evolution of the human race into a more holistic, nurturing civilization and the concept of epigenetics. However, be prepared for those ideas and data to be presented in a rambling jumble that often left me in the dark as to what his point was.As well as mispronouncing and tripping over words frequently, he peppers every few sentences with "and the reason this is interesting is because..." and "and the reason this is relevant is because..." and then doesn't always tell us why he thought it was interesting or relevant. Although his style was similar in Biology of Belief, he was much more cogent and to the point in that reading.He does present some very intriguing ideas, however, and this is worth a listen, just be prepared to be patient and forgiving of his clumsy speaking skills. ... Read more

Product Description
Mayr provides as convincing a testament to Darwin's genius as you are likely to find." --New York Times Book Review.

At once a spirited defense of Darwinian explanations of biology and an elegant primer on evolution for the general reader, What Evolution Is poses the questions at the heart of evolutionary theory and considers how our improved understanding of evolution has affected the viewpoints and values of modern man.

Science Masters SeriesAmazon.com Review
Gathering insights from his seven-decade career, the renowned biologist Ernst Mayr argues that evolution is now to be considered not a theory but a fact--and that "there is not a single Why? question in biology that can be answered adequately without a consideration of evolution."

Mayr, emeritus professor of zoology at Harvard University, has long been one of the world's foremost researchers in genetic and evolutionary theory. In this overview of past and current scientific thought, he discusses key concepts and terms, among them the origin of species, the (somewhat metaphorical) "struggle for existence," and agents of micro- and macroevolution. Somewhat against the grain, he argues against reduction and for the study of evolution at the phenotypic, not genetic, level. In his concluding pages, Mayr offers a careful overview of human evolution, adding his view that humankind is indeed unique--though "it has not yet completed the transition from quadrupedal to bipedal life in all of its structures."

Advanced students of the life sciences, as well as readers looking for a survey of current evolutionary theory, will find Mayr's book a useful companion. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

An Explanatory Masterpiece
Ernst Mayr is widely recognized as the biologist most responsible for shaping the modern synthesis of genetics and evolutionary theory. "What Evolution Is" provides an invaluable primer for anyone who is interested in understanding the modern theory of biological evolution.

In the preface, Mayr says he wrote this book for three kinds of readers: those who want to know more about evolution, those who accept evolution, but are not sure whether the Darwinian explanation is the correct one, and those "creationists who want to know more about the current paradigm of evolutionary science, if for no other reason than to be able to better argue against it" (p. xiii).

Throughout the book, the reader is presented with clear descriptions of the basic principles of biological evolution, backed up with a solid collection of facts that should fascinate even the most hardened veteran of the evolution/creation controversy. The writing is clear, elegant, and comprehensive. The book even includes a glossary that defines some of the most commonly used terms relating to evolution!

The best thing I can say about Ernst Mayr's "What Evolution Is" is that it does not waste the reader's time by attempting to provide an exhaustive list of proofs of evolution. That evolution happens is already so well established that such a detailed presentation of the evidence is not necessary. Besides, as Mayr correctly points out, such a list would likely not convince those who do not wish to be persuaded.

A mile wide and an inch deep
I was a little disappointed in this book. Though directed toward the educated layman, Mayr here writes in a manner that only biologists would find easy to understand. At the same time, he covers so much material that many interesting topics only get a page or so of attention. There isn't much detail that a reader capable of getting much from his writing style would not already be familiar with.

There are many problems with this book that a good editor should have brought to Mayr's attention. Mayr often mentions a specific case in passing, saying that X property of evolution is displayed by Y animal, but fails to cite clearly his reasons and source. So what's the point of mentioning the example if it's not explained how it relates to the topic being discussed? Where can I find more information? I found this book frustrating and tedious, and I learned little from it that I didn't already know.

Enjoyable and thought provoking
This book is something I imagine I will have to read again, not because it is poorly written, but because it is so thought provoking and accessible. Having read most of Dawkins works, this book is better. Mayr takes a strong stance against reductionism and the confirmation bias in evolutionary theories. Throughout the book he eloquently explains population and stochasic thinking in evolutionary theory. I plan to go back to some other works(that seemed convincing before) with a new skepticism. Don't skip the appendices. Mayr's wisdom rings through in his assertion that "Sweeping generalizations are rarely correct in evolutionary biology"(Appendix A, pg 271). This book is an excellent overview and window into the way Mayr thinks about Evolution.

I did have one criticism and it was the response he gave to the question Why is Evolution unpredictable? His answer was changes in environment are unpredictable, and also that a way a population may respond is also unpredictable, but then he says "Nevertheless, a knowledge of the potential of genotype and of the nature of constraints permits in most cases a reasonably accurate prediction"(appendix b). This seems in contrast to the earlier quote. Having recently read Nassim Taleb's "The Black Swan", I am uncertain if our predictions about about the future will in anyway be accurate. Still, this criticism aside, this is a great book.

A Good Detailed Text, but Not For The Layman
This book is a high level discussion of the process of evolution.It is written almost as a point/counter-point debate of the different theories of evolution (and there have been many) which have developed since Darwin's "Origin Of Species".

Even though I have read several other books on evolution prior to this one, the text seems to be aimed at a higher level reader than someone who is curious about evolution.This would be a good text to go to once you have the basic knowledge gained elsewhere under your belt.

Despite the above, I find this to be a good book since it does detail all of the theories that have emerged and is able to compare them and contradict ones that have not stood up to testing or the evidence revealed since their original proposing.

If you are a student of evolution and/or life sciences, I would recommend this book be on your bookshelf as it is on mine.If you are just starting out, trying some more introductory texts before trying this one.

Want to learn about evolution, but don't know where to start?
Ernst Mayr was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about biology.And what he noticed was that there had existed no single detailed and comprehensive publication that he or others could point to when asked by a layperson, "What is Evolution?"

This book is it.Mayr did an exception job at condensing the knowledge of roughly every subdiscipline of biology regarding evolution into one text.I would argue that it's relatively easy for a layperson to understand, but read slowly to let it sink in.(Stephen Jay Gould took 1400+ pages to describe evolution in "Structure of Evolutionary Theory," while Mayr only takes 336 pages, making this book far more concise) ... Read more

Product Description

This beautiful mix of art and science offers a breathtaking look at the way that contemporary scientific discoveries are changing our understanding of plants and plant evolution. Nearly one hundred and fifty paintings, by eighty-four artists, are reproduced in full color to present a sweeping overview of the evolution of plants worldwide. The paintings cover a wide range of plants, including ferns, fungi, conifers, algae, mosses, and a rich bounty of flowering plants; accompanying each painting is up-to-date evolutionary information—drawn from recent DNA analysis—plus observations by each of the artists and details about modern plant classification. Written for the nonspecialist, The Art of Plant Evolution is sure to enchant inquisitive green thumbs and gardeners.

Customer Reviews (2)

Fabulous art and exciting taxonomy
This is a wonderful book, with up to date information on plant classification and taxonomy based on DNA rather than visual relationships. The art illustrating the new relationships is fabulous. This is a must have for any serious botanist or botanical artist.

Art and science packaged to perfection
This is the type of book from which everyone can learn because of its "liberal arts" nature. The book lays out the current science of plant evolution but in a most interesting way. By putting stunning botanical art in a sequence parallel to evolutionary relationships, you begin to see the value of botanical art, not just as something lovely to look at, but as a learning tool for those interested in how plant anatomy relates to plant evolution. It is not a book intended for plant evolutionary biologists to get current with their field nor is it a primer for aspiring botanical artists. It would be shallow in that respect. That being said, it is not a "coffee table" book in the sense that you can thumb through it and put it down. It contains significant botanical content and enough text to learn not only about how plant relationships are established but how the artist themselves came into prominence. When all is said and done the price is one of the more amazing things. Over 300 thick giant pages of art and text - such a deal. For those of you thinking of cutting out the art for framing many of the plates are broken by the binder as they span two pages but the paper is thick enough that if you were ever so short-sighted as to get your scissors out at least the images that are on a single page do not show print from the back of the page. But please keep this book intact and enjoy it for a long time. What a great idea it was to join art and science in a way that everyone benefits. ... Read more

Product Description
Evolution makes good scientific sense. The question is whether it makes good theological sense as well. Christians who find evolution contrary to faith often do so because they focus solely on the issues of the world's design and the notion of the gradual descent of all life from a common ancestry. But that point of view overlooks the significance of the dramatic narrative going on beneath the surface. What evolution is has become more important than what it means. Haught suggests that, rather than necessarily contradicting one another, theologians and Darwinian scientists actually share an appreciation of the underlying meaning and awe-inspiring mystery of evolution. He argues for a focus on evolution as an ongoing drama and suggests that we simply cannot--indeed need not--make complete sense of it until it has fully played out.

Ultimately, when situated carefully within a biblical vision of the world as open to a God who makesall things new, evolution makes sense--scientifically and theologically. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Making Sense of Evolution
Evolution has always been a subject of interest to me. And when I read the preview of John F. Haught's book I found that he supports most of the theory and concepts I hold concerning evolution and the mysteries of God working still in His creative process. Haught's book will be one of the references I will use in my Christian teaching ministry.

Herb Rouson,Sr.,
Pastor Emeritus ... Read more

Product Description
More than eighty years after the Scopes trial, the debate over teaching evolution continues in spite of the emptiness of the creationist positions. This accessible resource, now completely revised and updated, provides an essential introduction to the ongoing dispute's many facets--the scientific evidence for evolution, the legal and educational basis for its teaching, and the various religious points of view--as well as a concise history of the evolution-creationism controversy. This second edition also contains a discussion of the legal history, updated to include the seminal case of Kitzmiller v. Dover as well as a new chapter on public opinion and media coverage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

A Way to Grasp the Essence of the Debate between Evolution and Creationism
This introduction to the current debate between Evolution and Creationism is an excellent way to grasp the essence of the subject.The book is aimed at bright high school students and college undergraduates and frankly reads like a college textbook at times(at least as I remember them from so long ago (:-)).This is not an easy read but it is so well organized and presented that I found myself completely engrossed in it.This is an excellent way to learn both sides of this debate.

Bigotry
As an agnostic who believes evolution is supported by overwhelming evidence, I am disgusted with the bigotry Ms Scott demonstrated. The attempt to equate the teleological argument with religion is astonishing, and betrays an ignorance of the non-religious possibilities and indeed origins of those ideas (e.g., deism). Absolutely disgusting.

What the controversy is really about...
The most obvious problem I find with her book is that it would be be banned from public schools and most college / university classrooms. The very organization she heads would censor it because it mentions "intelligent design" and "creationism." Most of the debate over whether or not to include these topics in science curriculum has nothing to do with the evidence given by either side; the debate is actually whether or not students in publically funded educational facilities should be informed that there are other theories concerning biologic origins that question Darwinian evolution. We have become so politically correct that we no longer resemble the society founded on the principles of freedom, (especially in the area of speech, ideas, and criticism) that declared its existence on July 4, 1776. The most incredible discoveries in all human history have been hatched in the minds of those who dared to question the established ideas in their societies. Remember that it was once believed that the Earth was flat, that the Sun orbited the Earth, the cell was a glob of jelly-like protoplasm, that flight was impossible, that "germs" caused infectious disease and surgeons refused to wash their hands between patients, and that Darwin's theory has been used to label white people has more evolved than blacks, and native Australians and American Indians. When we ban ideas that we don't agree with, we prosper discrimination and hatred in a primordial soup of biased propaganda.

Well-argued, passionate and well-researched
I had the pleasure of meeting the author this week at North Dakota State University. As a former young-earth creationist, I can safely say that Dr. Scott has an excellent understanding of creationism. She is passionate, but she does not let her passion degrade into ad hominem or strawman attacks on creationists and their claims. Seriously, if you want an author who truly understands both sides of this non-debate, seek out Dr. Scott's work! She will rake garbage "scholarship" over the coals, but it is never undeserved, immature, or irrational. Wish I could say the same for Richard Dawkins!

Losing Balance
Scott M. Kruse, in his review of EVOLUTION VS. CREATIONISM:AN INTRODUCTION, writes:"Eugenie Scott explains the nature of science: Science is guided by natural law, is explanatory by reference to law, is testable against the empirical world, is always tentative and subject to revision and is falsifiable."Almost none of this correct.Scientists rarely talk any longer in terms of natural law, testing is not always empirical, falsifiability is a confused relic from Karl Popper's philosophical work of more than a half-century past, and science is by no means "always tentative."

A huge amount of misconception owes to the widely-advertised but poorly-explained fact that the propositions of empirical science are logically contingent.That a propositions is logically contingent means only that it's NOT logically necessary, that both its truth and its falsity are logically possible.But that a proposition's falsity is logically possible does NOT entail that the proposition is ACTUALLY false or even PROBABLY false;in fact it does NOT entail even that the proposition MIGHT be false as a PRACTICAL possibility.Want an illustration?That you yourself now exist is only a contingent truth.Do you therefore DOUBT your own present existence?Do you believe it only TENTATIVELY?Are you willing to allow that, in fact, you MAY NOT now exist?How much credence are you prepared to give to purported evidence that you actually DON'T now exist?There are lots of contingent propositions about the truth of which science is not the least bit tentative.

Oh, and by the way, about the nature of science.The difference between a science and a non-science isn't to be found in some contrast between their respective subject matters but in a contrast between their respective levels of regard for the VALIDATION OF METHODOLOGY.METHODOLOGY is concerned with procedures for the systematic control of error in problem-solving.To VALIDATE a method, then, is to ascertain both:(1)the conditions under which a given problem is genuinely of the kind that the method has been designed to solve (which involves the validation of DIAGNOSTIC procedures);(2)the conditions under which the results of applying the method to problems of the appropriate kind ACTUALLY COUNT as SOLUTIONS.Accordingly, a discipline is SCIENTIFIC if, and only if, NO result is ACCEPTED AS ESTABLISHED within the discipline unless it has been obtained by way of the discipline's VALIDATED METHODOLOGY.This is why science abounds in so many studies that purport to show what everybody already knows to begin with.Even widely-accepted so-called "common knowledge" must first pass through a science's validated methodology before it can be accepted as ESTABLISHED within the disciple and thus be invoked and employed as a premise in scientific argument.

Eugenie Scott's EVOLUTION VS. CREATIONISM:AN INTRODUCTION provides a decent summary of themes in the Philosophy of Science.Scott duly emphasizes science's concern with verifiability (here to be taken in its general sense, not to be confused with the Logical Positivists' Verificationism) and its preoccupation with the natural world narrowly construed.When she contrasts the purported epistemological differences between science and religion, though, she doesn't fully explore the point that appeals to Revelation are essentially EMPIRICAL and that, in religion as in science, appeals to authority ultimately trace back to personal experience.Thus, a saint who reports having had direct communication with God appears to have the very same basis for believing in God's reality that a person who converses with a human friend has for believing in that friend's reality.Is there an important difference?Scott certainly brings in the matters of intersubjectivity, testability, replicability, etc., but her attempted epistemological contrast between science and religion still leaves a fair amount of wiggle-room and thus isn't as compelling it could be.This matter isn't incidental to the main topic of Scott's book.Quite the opposite:it's of central importance, because it pertains directly to the scientific pretensions of so-called "Creation Science".When Evolutionists reject the claims of Creation Science, they don't handle those pretensions gently:Creation science, they insist, isn't just BAD science---it isn't SCIENCE at all.

The friends of Creation Science frequently bemoan the fact that accounts of the Evolution-vs.-Creation debate lack "balance".These folks just don't get it.One doesn't encounter balanced, unbiased discussion of the controversy for the simple reason that such discussion is FORENSICALLY IMPERMISSIBLE:the epistemic postures of the opposing sides are practically incommensurable."Balance," after all, requires the participants to countenance at least the POSSIBILITY of scientific parity between the two positions.However, nobody who knows the difference between real science and merely pretend science will stultify himself by conceding even for the sake of argument that Creation Science has face validity;likewise, true believers in the Book of Genesis can't concede for an instant that the Theory of Evolution is even remotely plausible, no matter WHAT evidence is adduced in its support.Evolutionists and Creation Scientists can no more engage in dialectically balanced debate than two trees can do so.

This last point needs to be fleshed out a bit.It's one thing simply to pit the Theory of Evolution against the Book of Genesis.The two sources, of course, offer strongly incompatible stories about the origins of the universe and life on Earth.Debate about the relative credibility of these two sources has therefore been described as a war between Science and Religion---specifically, an epistemological war waged to adjudicate the balance of veridicality between scientific method, on the one hand, and revelation, the ultimate basis for religious doctrine, on the other.

So, which of the two, Science or Religion, is the more reliable source of information about the world?A plausible case can be made that the contest boils down to nothing more than a cost/benefit analysis weighing faith in scientific method against faith in revelation.It's in this context that the friends of Religion attempt to carry the day by observing that the propositions of empirical science aren't NECESSARY truths:"Scientific method leads at best to TENTATIVE BELIEF in mere CONTINGENCIES;revelation, by contrast, affords UTTER CERTAINTY about ABSOLUTE TRUTH!"Alas!It still requires an act of faith to embrace revelation as veridical, even if one accepts a strong version of the thesis that science deals only in contingency.

The friends of Religion, however, have not been content to let the contest's outcome depend on an act of faith.Questions of contingency notwithstanding, scientists often speak with the fist of authority.And because scientists manage to sound pretty convincing when they invoke the shibboleth of EVIDENCE, spewing torrents of technical discourse, citingvolumes of complex experimental data, and rehashing gouts of ultra-sophisticated mathematical analysis, it's small wonder that the layman is impressed by their pronouncements.Face it:scientists are thought to exhibit high levels of sagacity and consequently enjoy immense prestige throughout the civilized world.Many friends of Religion just can't STAND it.They fear that by responding to the technicalities of Science with talk about revelation they invite unflattering comparisons.

Thus, the friends of Religion conjure nightmarish scenarios in which the Scientist---cool, composed, invincibly sane, basking in an aura of radiant personal genius---addresses an adoring public:"I propound the hard results of the most intellectually exacting discipline, whereas my Religious opponent---observe him closely, if you will:yon incontinent buffoon who stands before you red-faced and sputtering as he savors the rich ignominy of his now-manifest feeble-mindedness---offers nothing more than a call to hysterical acts of credulity.Whom, I ask, do YOU emulate?"

Is it any wonder that the friends of Religion seek to level the playing field by concocting the notion of Creation Science?The strategy is simple enough:trot out a phalanx of apparently respectable scientists to impress upon the lay public not only that the Biblical account of creation has a BASIS IN SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE, but that the scientific foundation for the literal truth of Genesis is EVEN MORE RIGOROUSLY DEVELOPED than the one alleged for the Theory of Evolution.To this end, the purveyors of Creation Science have regaled their public with volumes and volumes of advocacy for the supposed scientific-ness of the creation story in Genesis.The authors of these volumes purport to enjoy the highest standing within the scientific community.Several of them are advertised as having Ph.D.s in demanding subjects (astrophysics, biochemistry, etc.) and as occupying positions at prestigious universities and research institutions.

An opus of Creation Scientist unfolds in three movements.First, the overture:a series of supposed-to-be-awe-inspiring "Isn't-the-Universe-Amazing?"-type rhetorical questions ("Have you ever wondered why nobody has ever determined which would win in a fight-to-the-death between a rhinoceros and a giant squid...or a school of piranhas and a colony of army ants?"), followed by a flourish of very, very general information about astronomy, physics, chemistry, and/or biology.This information, by intention, is sufficiently elementary to be digested easily by readers with no more than an eighth-grade education, but it's also supposed to be just "science-y" enough to create the impression that the author is a scientific expert.Most of the time, this initial information is quite uncontroversial and has no real bearing on the Evolution-vs.-Creation controversy (Footnote:Unaccountably, presentation of the initial science information is often riddled with mistakes---occasionally, with downright blunders).The point of introducing this information should be kept in mind, though:the intent isn't to advance debate but to establish the author's scientific bona fides.

Second movement:what purports to be a scientifically rigorous refutation of evolutionary theory.Early in the discussion it usually emerges that (surprise!) the target of the author's critique is not merely biological evolution a la Darwin but secular science's ENTIRE ACCOUNT of the origin and development of the whole Universe.This involves the author in efforts to discredit the Big Bang hypothesis, astronomers' estimates of the Universe's age, geologists' estimates of the Earth's age, and many other matters of orthodox science.Refutation of Darwin's particular views is offered as a sort of climax to the general broadside against Evolution-in-the large.Typically, the I'm-Going-To-Refute-ALL-of-Secular-Science part of a Creation Science book is JUST technical enough to lose its target audience completely while leaving the impression that the author sure knows what he's talking about.It's usually this section of a Creation Science book that REAL scientists have a field day tearing apart.

Finally, there's the Allegro Con Brio finale:the affirmative case for Genesis' account of creation.This case invariably unfolds as an elaborate theme-and-variation rehash of the Argument From Design, perhaps most famously formulated by the Cambridge scholar William Paley (1743 - 1805) in his NATURAL THEOLOGY, EVIDENCES OF THE EXISTENCE AND ATTRIBUTES OF THE DEITY, COLLECTED FROM THE APPEARANCES OF NATURE (First Edition, 1802; 12th Edition, Lincoln-Rembrandt Publishers, 1986).It's no accident, then, that Creation Science's latest incarnation has been dubbed "Intelligent Design."

The basic strategy (which could aptly be dubbed "Proof By Unanswered Rhetorical Question") was exploited by Erich Von Daniken in "Chariots of the Gods". First, you cite some (presumably surprising) fact.Next, you recount, in singularly unflattering terms, what's supposed to be the received explanation of that fact.You then ask a how-can-this-be-possible?-type question cunningly formulated to invite the tacit reply, "It CAN'T be possible!"You now promptly conclude AGAINST the received explanation and, finally, segue to your FAVORED explanation exactly as if it's OBVIOUSLY the ONLY rational alternative.Thus:"The Great Pyramid is an architectural marvel.It's supposed to have been built six thousand years ago by ignorant Egyptians using only slave labor.But how could puny, know-nothing terrestrials possibly have erected such an artifice employing only primitive Bronze Age technology?'They couldn't!'Well, if they COULDN'T, then they DIDN'T!But if TERRESTRIALS didn't build the Great Pyramid, then that leaves only ONE alternative (drum roll, please):EXTRA-terrestrials did it!Q. E. D."

Intelligent Design works in precisely the same way:"Wow!The Universe sure is a complicated place!A lot of really stupid scientists say it came about exclusively by random events and blind natural processes.But how could 'blind', random processes possibly result in anything so complex and sophisticated as, say, the human eye?['They couldn't!' screams a tiny voice from the gallery.]Well, if they COULDN'T, then they DIDN'T.But if blind Nature didn't produce the Universe, then, obviously, it required an INTELLIGENT DESIGNER!Q.E.D."See how easy it is?

The initial cite-surprising-facts stage of the Design Argument affords Creation Scientists additional opportunities to sound like real experts.Ideally, each cited fact will be so mind-numbingly complicated that readers can't help being skeptical about the received explanation offered by secular science.This, of course, sets up the all-important, putatively unanswerable "how-could...?" question and thus facilitates the very uncomplicated but crucial inferences that follow.

Time to face the music.The literature of Creation Science is an exercise in preaching to the choir:only people already predisposed to believe the Genesis account of creation are impressed by it.Sorry, but the alleged specialist in astrophysics who endorses the Genesis account of creation at the expense of Evolutionary Theory is no more a respectable scientist than a pineapple is a blue whale.The books written by these "experts" just plain stink.Virtually every page betrays its author's scientific incompetence.

Incidentally, anybody who's interested in getting a fix on what GENUINE scientific debate about evolution looks like may consult Kevin Padian, "The False Issues of Bird Origins:an Historical Perspective", in NEW PERSPECTIVES ON THE ORIGIN AND EARLY EVOLUTION OF BIRDS, Jacques Gautier and Lawrence F. Gall, Editors (New Haven, Connecticut:Peabody Museum of Nature History, Yale University, December, 2001), pp. 485 - 499.And for those who'd like to see what a truly balanced, unbiased PHILOSOPHICAL discussion of Creationism looks like, consult David Sedley, CREATIONISM AND ITS CRITICS IN ANTIQUITY (The University of California Press, 2007). ... Read more

Product Description
R. Todd Michael was medical director of a level-three trauma center when he had his own brush with death before being saved by the voice of an angel. In this collection of true stories from the emergency room, Dr. Michael relates his experiences with dying patients and the angels that invariably attend these critical rites of passage. Eventually he began communicating with an angel who was sent to aid us in our human evolution.

Evolution, as described in The Evolution Angel, is “a quantum leap, a jump to a completely new and higher level of being.” What exactly is that higher level of being, and how do we achieve it? The “Evolution Angel” provides fascinating lessons, wisdom, and insight into turning our human journey into one where we can not only communicate with the Spirit World, but we can access this otherworldly wisdom in our lives at any moment. Answering questions about the purpose of our lives, life after death, and the nature of our soul, this astounding book has already changed countless lives of those who have heard this in-demand speaker, or read his self-published edition that has sold thousands.

Inspirational, poignant, and wise, The Evolution Angel is a guide for everyone who wants to learn about living at the highest level, and is curious about what happens to the soul after we die. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Informative
I found information & knowledge I've been seeking. Looking forward to reading moreof Dr.Todd Michael's books.

Beautiful book!Very Helpful!
i bought this book because my youngest brother passed away recently of cancer at age 50, and I was struggling with understanding and accepting his passing.It didn't make any sense to me.I wanted a book to help me widen my understanding of death.This book was most helpful.The author was an emergency room trauma doc for years and began to talk to the souls of the people who died in his ER.He didn't really mean to, or start out with that as a goal, it just started happening one day.Some of the 500 or so deaths were untimely, some were very young, some suicides, some violent, some accidental, some just a peaceful passing. It was just the book I needed to understand my brother, to be at peace about him, and to move on.

a positive spiritual reinforcement
I greatly enjoyed reading "The Evolution Angel." It ties in with several books I have read about the afterlife. I guess a person just has to experience losing
someone close and to have an open mind about all this.It was interesting to read
and I would recommend it, especially if you would like to be a more
spiritual person.
Thank you Todd Michael.: ) arlene suzanne

Very Interesting Read
Very interessting.Alot of ideas to consider.Requires an open mind and some flexibility of doctrine, but definitely an interesting perspective!will be reading it more than once.....

Be very wary of this book
If you are a Christian and believe what is written in the Gospels you should be very wary of this book.The author may, in fact, be communing with spirits, but they are not heavenly spirits.Evil is not, as the author (or his spirit companions) claim a "myth".With the words "angel" and "physician" linked in the title many unfortunate readers may be taken in by this.Some of what the author writes may seem beneficial or comforting, which is to be expected:"For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; in so much that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24).I would advise any potential reader of this book to first read some of the readings of Seraphim Rose before proceeding (e.g. Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future, The Soul After Death: Contemporary "After-Death" Experiences in the Light of the Orthodox Teaching on the Afterlife ) ... Read more

Product Description
A well-known futurist reveals a quantum change in society and points the way to the third millennium. Barbara Marx Hubbard issues a call to action for the current generation to fulfill its creative potential. Hubbard asserts that we must quickly become capable of wise and ethical guidance of evolution itself, if life on Earth is to survive.Amazon.com Review
Historically speaking, new worldviews have been responsiblefor causing major social transformations, says futurist Barbara MarxHubbard. It occurred in the Renaissance when the idea of progressthrough knowledge was born. It happened in the United States when theprinciples of democracy and freedom became institutions. "Now onceagain a new world view is arising," writes Hubbard. "This idea is theculmination of all human history. It holds the promise of fulfillingthe great aspirations of the past and heralds the advent of the nextphase of our evolution. It is the idea of consciousevolution."

Human beings have now gained the ability to shape their own evolution,explains Hubbard, and therefore the next world task is to becomeconscious of this power and guide the earth and all its inhabitantsinto survival and fulfillment of our potential. Born out of the newspirituality, which began as a path toward self- awareness, but hasquickly spread into a "social potential movement," Hubbard predictsthat the ideology of "conscious evolution" will be seen as a pivotalturning point in human history, leading us into an era of heightenedcreativity, environmental accountability, and spiritualdevelopment.

Her message is steeped in intelligent writing and persuasiveresearch. But most enticing, she writes as an optimist as well as avisionary. Rather than buy into the "old story" of imminentself-destruction, Hubbard sees the potential for humanity to create a"new story" that melds all our advances--spiritual, scientific, andsocial--into a glorious vision for the future. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A Theological Masterpiece--A Practical Manifesto
Although the author has written a more recent book, Emergence: The Shift from Ego to Essence, the later book is focused on helping the individual, while the book being reviewed focuses on the larger matter of social engineering.

I was growing up in Asia at the time that this extraordinary person was getting herself nominated, along with Geraldine Ferraro in 198, as a Democratic candidate for Vice President, and this book serves as both a practical statement of needs and next steps to achieve conscious evolution as a species in the aggregate (see also the book edited by Mark Tovey with 55 contributors, Collective Intelligence: Creating a Prosperous World at Peaceand as a very self-effacing overview of the extraordinary life and social network of the author.I am tempted to speculate that hers was the first social network of consequence in modern times.

The core strategic idea in this book is that we are now capable of coming together across all boundaries at all locations to discourse on Conscious Evolution.

The author uses the metaphor of the caterpillar turning into a butterfly to make several points, including the need to end our Industrial Era's wasteful, destructive, and violent practices, the need for deconstruction to make way for new construction, and the manner in which the design for the new is embedded in the old.

There are a number of operational ideas in this book, and as dismayed as one might be to reflect on the fact that the author knew all of this a decade or more ago, the reality is that NOW is the time for her ideas to be implemented by organizations such as the Transpartisan Alliance.

Big Idea #1: Presidential candidates in the future should not just select a Vice President, but an entire Cabinet, each member fully familiar with the social innovations in their respective fields.Each would be responsible for connecting with, communicating with, listening to, all possible sources, and then as a body this group would create a balanced sustainable budget and campaign on the basis of proven social innovations ("what works").

Big Idea #2:The Office of the Vice President in particular should be responsible for discovering and then disseminating more broadly "what works," and for managing a Peace Room that would, for every region of the world, for every high-level threat to humanity, "scan for, map, connect, and communicate what is working to create a humane regenerative world--a cocreative society."This Peace Room would factor in time and plan for the immediate, near, and far future across all sectors, but specifically, Governance/Law, Education, Economics including Business and Philanthropy, Health including Relationships and Personal Growth, Environment and Habitat, Culture including Media and Communications, Spirituality including Religion, and Science including Technology.

Big Idea #3:We are now ready to move beyond the Liberal Arts education that is more of a survey of ideas, and into a program that fosters conscious evolution.The author details a program for a Masters in Conscious Evolution, and I find the elements quite worthy, with the program following two tracks: social evolution, and self-evolution.Three courses would cover respectively:

a. Evolution of Consciousness and of the Human Self-Image along with Cosmologies and the History of the Idea of Conscious Evolution

b.The Person in Transition along with the Planet in Transition--an important outcome of this second course would be the creation of a Global Collegium connecting experts and direct observers on all aspects of our humanity and our habitat.

c. Fulfilling our Vocations of Destiny along with Design for a Positive Future.The outcome of this last course across the collective would be the creation of a future equal to our full potential.

Big Idea #4:The news media has failed us with its emphasis on the negative and its pandering to advertising.The author proposes something I think of as the Collective Consciousness News Network (CCNN), which could be a sub-set of CNN or a new independent public network.

Pages 128-129 provides a common-sense agenda for self-governance and constructive progress that I can only list the headings for given the Amazon word limit:

1.Governance and Law

2.Education

3.Economics, Business, Philanthropy

4.Health, Relationships, Personal Growth

5.Science and Technology

6.Spirituality and Religion

7.Environmental and Habitat

8.Culture, Media, and Communications

The author excels at identifying others with very good ideas, and one set of criteria for "golden innovations" as devised by social activists Eleanor and Mark Donahue, really struck me as worthy of replicating here.

1.The innovation moves society toward the goal of a just, humane, regenerative, and choiceful future--the evolutionary agenda.

2.It comprises core values of the new paradigm that embody higher consciousness, greater freedom, and more synergistic order.These values include integrity, sustainability, inclusivity, nonviolence, gender balance, and win-win solutions that foster freedom, personal responsibility, and respect for others and self.

3.It has the potential for major social impact; it is more than a good project, it is one that can assist in the positive transformation of a vital function in the social body.

4.Its success is measurable, and it has achieved better quantifiable results than the majority of other approaches in comparable fields of endeavor.

5.It is more cost effective than other approaches over the long term and ideally also in the short term.

6.It has at least a 2-year track record.

7.It is sustainable, replicable, and not dependent on one charismatic leader or other unique circumstances for its success.

The resource section, pages 231-267, is of special value, providing detailed information about 46 organizations and then also a listing of websites and publications that are aligned with this vision of Conscious Evolution.

I will end with the observation that the author represents in my own mind the ideal, the prototypical leader of the future, a leader of ideas, of sharing, of compassion, of win-win.I cannot think of a single female leader in politics or business that can approach this author it than sense.Barbara Marx Hubbard is an original, and I can only hope that she is heard by many more in time to co-create a generation of young leaders just like her.

SIDE NOTE:If Ron Paul decides to run for President in 2012, Barbara Marx Hubbard has my nomination, with Francis Moore Lappe as the alternate, for the vital role of Vice-President to the Republic.

An awakening of awareness
Barbara writes of the awakening awareness which is occurring all around the globe.Millions of people are aware of many changes signaling what many call the "quantum leap" to a higher consciousness that will propel the human race into the next millennium.When enough humans reach the critical mass necessary, then higher planes of existence will come in to play.

Barbara is positive and uplifting with her words, and she is doing as Don Miguel Ruiz writes in his book, The Four Agreements: "Being Impeccable With Our Word."She chooses to paint a picture of what can be if we only think and act in a unitive manner, and create our world the way we desire.Well done Barbara!

Tired, hackneyed "modernism"
This book really does not hold up well in today's world. Full of late 1990s exuberance, it adheres to the mantra that progress in the form of technology is going to save us -- a precept with which I wholeheartedly disagree. In my opinion a waste of time.

A useful resource for a changing world
I found this book to be a very useful survey of the apparently large numbers of people who are seeking solutions for a more equitable world. Looking at our future through the lens of evolution and taking the long view tends to show us that evolutionary trends rooted in negentropic or the anti-entropic forces of a multi-dimensional universe are having a profound affect and subsequent effect on the thinking of many people. My only disagreement with the book is that it fails to dialogue with one of the most important negentropic forces available to humankind--the power of virtue or human excellence. Imagine talking about conscious evolution and not one word about virtue or even self-restraint. Despite these notable omissions, this book is an excellent resource for anyone thinking about the future.

Sean O'Reilly, author of How to Manage Your DIC K: Redirect Sexual Energy and Discover Your More Spiritually Enlightened, Evolved Self

It eventually gets there
The first 100 or so pages of this book nearly sent it to my shelf for good.I've never known somebody to find as many different ways to say the same thing over and over and over and over again.With each paragraph ending upbeat and inspiring, I was like "Okay, now here's where we get into the meat and potatoes".But we wouldn't.I started uttering about this new agey fluff being worthless.But by the time I finished reading it, I have to say it was good.

Of course, the core messages in the book are critical to us.They speak of a visionary truth both past and future that we all need to recognize.So, skim if you have to, but make it to the second half of the book.That's when she stops pontificating about loving the vast cosmos and starts pointing the book in a direction.But be wary that the ideas she suggests are her own legacy.They're a wonderful start and I believe are designed only to be a launching point, so don't feel bound to them as the only way through this mess of civilization we've created. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (14)

This book changed my Life in a Wonderful Way
This book is full of Love and Comfort and all I can say is that it makes you want to pick yourself up and never look down again!Inspirational and I feel so grateful that Dr. Abrams shared this knowledge with the world.

theology revisited
I am almost finished reading this book.I agree with one of the reviewers, who is the real author.?

Having said that, the doctor does not say there is no evil; he suggests we do create our own reality, that we are just a small part of the universe, infestimal; it made sense that he incorporates all religions, not just Christianity although his description of Jesus makes sense and he spends a lot of time on him.

This man write in an honest manner from his perspective; it does not sound new agish to me.Basically what he is saying that he hears from his messengers is that Love is the most powerful commodity, a sense of humor is good to have, and that no man is excluded from "heaven" just because he is not of the Christian faith.All great books and teachers have their place.

While he does not back it up scientifically; he is in fact a scientist.What science can explain God?The power of love?

I was happy to hear that from his perspective, and what he is being told, that Buddists get to go to a good "place" too.

If he hears it in his mind, so what? Don't we all hear things in our minds. Does that make him delusional! I would rather hear something in my mind, validate it, as I believe he does to the best of his abilty, rather than read a book, any book and take it to heart as the only truth.Michaels does not say this is the only truth; he says this is his experience.We can take it or leave it. I found it helpful, and chose to take his information and put it to use.

Finally A Book That Makes Sense For Everyone!
Evolution Angel is a book I've been wanting to read for a lifetime.This book makes so much sense out of the events we see in the world and what our place in this world, as well as the next world might be.I highly recommend anyone interested in developing their spirituality to buy a copy and maybe another copy, because if you share my opinion, you'll want to give them to your friends.

This Little Book is a Gem
Powerful and Insightful. The message here is particularly helpful for anyone who is dealing with the loss of a loved one or is caring for someone in a failing state of health. In particular I always give it to friends who are dealing with a relative who has Alzheimer's as the explanation for this form of debilitation is poignant. You will be better able to understand and cope with the situation if you see it from the perspective of the Evolution Angel.

There are topics here that may disturb fundamental religiosity. But the insights do relate on a higher level and cut through the superstitions to the corp of the goodness that organized religions were meant to teach and then leave room for a more practical expression and use of these teachings for those who are ready to grow to the next level. Want to know why we choose our lives and our stressful situations, how and why we create our own reality, or better understand the value and goodness of money? Read this book with an open mind to find out.

I have loved this book for many years and given several away to friends whose loved ones have Alzheimer's. Each time I give it away, I take the time to read mine again myself. It is so uplifting. It also concludes with a suggestion for a powerful mediation that can get you well along in your own evolution.

He's talking to himself
This man has obviously struggled with the Great Questions, as all of us have.However, he has fooled himself (and, it appears, others) that he has received answers.All of his answers to life's Great Questions prove to be self-contradictory.His angel has told him that we chose our lives (including our suffering) prior to birth so that we would learn life lessons even though we cannot remember chosing.(Tell that to the abducted and molested children - this happened to you because you chose it to happen prior to your birth.)And that's the kicker!We're not supposed to intervene and stop suffering because they are pre-self-chosen paths for learning - we might interfere prior to the lesson learned.It's a sad book, because I think the author really has a psychological issue.His angel is all in his imagination - you can tell by the writing - they both have exactly the same personality.Furthermore, his angel doesn't give him spiritually awakening answers - the angel really just confirms to him what he has "always thought for years."How convenient.Sometimes the answers get pretty convoluted (sometimes it's quite entertaining if you can get past the sadness of his own delusion).The angel seems a bit limited - claims he is one with God, yet confesses he has a hard time explaining spiritual concepts.You'll love this:the angel and God are one-and-the-same, he says there is no need for names - yet, at one point in the book the angel berates Michael telling him that they (the angels) have their own lives and did Michael ever think about what they (the angels) might want or feel?!?

Gotta leave you with two passages from the book:

"We put you all together on one planet so that you would all have certain intense experiences available to you that would satisfy your requests.It's a matter of efficiency."--Evolution Angel

"I hardly consider myself enlightened.In fact, I'm somewhat of an idiot." --Michael Abrams(This was the only lucid statement in the book.) ... Read more

Product Description
Language, more than anything else, is what makes us human. It appears that no communication system of equivalent power exists elsewhere in the animal kingdom. Any normal human child will learn a language based on rather sparse data in the surrounding world, while even the brightest chimpanzee, exposed to the same environment, will not.Why not?How, and why, did language evolve in our species and not in others? Since Darwin's theory of evolution, questions about the origin of language have generated a rapidly-growing scientific literature, stretched across a number of disciplines, much of it directed at specialist audiences. The diversity of perspectives - from linguistics, anthropology, speech science, genetics, neuroscience and evolutionary biology - can be bewildering. Tecumseh Fitch cuts through this vast literature, bringing together its most important insights to explore one of the biggest unsolved puzzles of human history. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Essential reading for those interested in anti-essentialism
This is a collection of essays that advances the interesting arguments of Oyama's earlier work: `The ontogeny of information'.Oyama helps us to rethink in subtle and complex ways the concepts of `biology',`inheritance', `nature', `evolution', and so on and she also reconfiguresthe relationships between them.Together the reworkings of these ideasprovide a sophisticated framework which eschews various forms ofreductionism and determinism whilst emphasising contingency, history, andcomplexity.Her discussions of developmental systems are essential readingfor anyone seeking a more complex way of engaging with the complexity oflife and our understanding of it. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Essential reading for those interested in anti-essentialism
This is a collection of essays that advances the interesting arguments of Oyama's earlier work: `The ontogeny of information'.Oyama helps us to rethink in subtle and complex ways the concepts of `biology',`inheritance', `nature', `evolution', and so on and she also reconfiguresthe relationships between them.Together the reworkings of these ideasprovide a sophisticated framework which eschews various forms ofreductionism and determinism whilst emphasising contingency, history, andcomplexity.Her discussions of developmental systems are essential readingfor anyone seeking a more complex way of engaging with the complexity oflife and our understanding of it. ... Read more

Product Description
Ideas about heredity and evolution are undergoing a revolutionary change. New findings in molecular biology challenge the gene-centered version of Darwinian theory according to which adaptation occurs only through natural selection of chance DNA variations. In Evolution in Four Dimensions, Eva Jablonka and Marion Lamb argue that there is more to heredity than genes. They trace four "dimensions" in evolution—four inheritance systems that play a role in evolution: genetic, epigenetic (or non-DNA cellular transmission of traits), behavioral, and symbolic (transmission through language and other forms of symbolic communication). These systems, they argue, can all provide variations on which natural selection can act. Evolution in Four Dimensions offers a richer, more complex view of evolution than the gene-based, one-dimensional view held by many today. The new synthesis advanced by Jablonka and Lamb makes clear that induced and acquired changes also play a role in evolution.

After discussing each of the four inheritance systems in detail, Jablonka and Lamb "put Humpty Dumpty together again" by showing how all of these systems interact. They consider how each may have originated and guided evolutionary history and they discuss the social and philosophical implications of the four-dimensional view of evolution. Each chapter ends with a dialogue in which the authors engage the contrarieties of the fictional (and skeptical) "I.M.," or Ifcha Mistabra—Aramaic for "the opposite conjecture"—refining their arguments against I.M.'s vigorous counterarguments. The lucid and accessible text is accompanied by artist-physician Anna Zeligowski's lively drawings, which humorously and effectively illustrate the authors' points. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Kindle version review
Buy this wonderful, illuminating work for your e-reader and you will improve it and yourself! You will soon wish that you had all your other great books there as well, available for rereading, scanning and searching at any time. I will not duplicate material in the other, informative reviews, but just want to express surprise that there are not more such works on epigenetic evolution (in all its forms, using "epi" in a broad sense).
I was doubtful at first about the "discussions", expecting quick straw-man knockdowns a la Simplicissimus, but they really add to the exposition. I read it on a Kindle II and only the illustrations suffered, which I figured was OK, as I didn't much care for the style, but on reviewing them on an iPad I found them engaging. Improvements would include links to the notes at the end and return links from there. Some publishers are not fully committed to this e-book thing. Buy the Kindle version for your iPad - it is not (yet?) available as an i-Book.

The noumenal 'dimension'
At a time when Darwinian fundamentalism is almost a church dogma of scientism, this book deftly and cogently shows that the 'post natural selection' era is upon us, with a clear extended framework, its four dimensions of evolution. I think that this extension is, however, completely clear as to the place of epigenetics, but not so clear as to the behavioral and linguistic so-called dimensions. The question of human evolution, and of the evolution of consciousness and of language are not explained, it would seem, in the context of the added two dimensions given in the book, and remain as yet mysterious to science, and perhaps their evolutionary dynamics are beyond simple observation.
We should consider Wallace's insight that man's potential could not have evolved in any simple way, since it has no contact with the environment, as if it were in an extra dimension, perhaps even beyond space and time.
A Kantian framework suggests that the psychology of man/animal confects the space-time categories a priori, suggesting that the mind is in part a higher dimensional, or non-dimensional entity.
The evolution of language, and the consciousness behind, is an entire mystery andb science can't even describe the systems it claims has evolved. The noumenal aspect here becomes, perhaps, dominant.
Naturally scintists always claim to have the explanation of everything. That is hype, and a bluff, not to be taken seriously.

Nontheless, a fascinating, must-read, and a warning the 'natural selection does all' era is over.

Check out also _The Extended Synthesis_, a new book on evolution and the reigning synthesis, to which the authors contribute an essay, next to many others in a coming postdarinism mode, on the manifold dimensions of evolution.

Noone will quite say so, but monolithic Darwinism is kaput.

Thought provoking
A recent biotechnology trade publication wrote that "epigenetic research surges on many fronts", and a study of textbooks in molecular biology that have been published in the last few years reveals that epigenetic mechanisms are relevant in biological systems. This book could be considered a definitive summary of what is known about epigenetic mechanisms in evolution, but also goes beyond it by arguing behavioral and "symbolic" variation also plays a significant role. Readers will get in-depth discussion of these terms and also get exposed to some speculation from the authors on how all four mechanisms, genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, and symbolic drive the evolutionary process. However the authors are careful to note the difference between speculation and facts, and this intellectual honesty is refreshing and motivates the reader to consult some of the many references given in the book. At various places in the book, readers are expected to have a solid background in molecular biology in order to follow the discussion, but non-experts in this field, such as this reviewer, can with some concentrated effort appreciate what the authors are talking about.

Some of the highlights in the book include:
1. The reminder that genes are not "simple causal agents" with traits being the result of interactions among a collection of genes. Along these lines, gene regulatory networks have become a significant area of research in the last few years.
2. The point made that the Darwin theory of natural selection is a general theory of evolution, and does not make specific assumptions on the mechanisms behind heredity or variability. This assertion motivates the reader to search for different representations of Darwinian theory, this book being one of them, and further, ask the question as to how many such representations are possible, given the constraints of observation and experimentation. Are there for example, any "higher dimensional" versions of Darwinian theory (greater than 4)?
3. The discussion on information theory and its use in genetics.
4. The discussion on the ability of genomes to compensate for the lack of activity of a particular gene. This is very relevant to current methods in genetic engineering, which sometimes have their goal the "knockout" of certain genes.
5. The reminder that there is much that is unknown in molecular biology. One example given is the nature of the regulation of splicing.
6. The discussion on the advantages of sexual reproduction versus mere cloning.
7. The discussion on self-sustaining feedback loops in gene activity. This has connections with the field of mathematics called nonlinear dynamics, and a large amount of research in this field is devoted to understanding these feedback loops.
8. The view of the authors that RNA interference is a cellular immune system. This is an interesting idea, and motivates the reader to do further reading on whether it is an idea that is viable in immunology and molecular biology.
9. The discussion on "real-time" genome modification in the Sciara fly, wherein chromosomes are eliminated in both somatic and germ-line cells. The astute reader will naturally wonder how many other biological organisms are able to do this.
10. The role of methylation in transgenic strategies. This discussion is very important to those readers who want to understand the risks involved in genetic engineering. Transgene flow is considered to be a risk by some, but methylation apparently would assist in alleviating this risk.


Some of the disappointments in the book include:
1. The use of thought experiments to argue some of the main points. This is not a major detraction, but this use can degenerate into philosophical speculation if one is not careful, and it seems the authors are aware of this.
2. The authors should have included more discussion on why they think the "four categories" of epigenetic inheritance are not independent.
3. The assertion made without elaboration that when humans imitate they always intend to do so. Along these lines the authors need to elaborate in more detail what they mean by a "modular system of imitative learning." Their thinking on this would be very interesting to those readers involved in the field of artificial intelligence. Indeed, the authors' assertion that "imitation is a context- and content-sensitive process, not mere copying" is very important to those who are attempting to implement cognitive processes in non-human machines. This is further exemplified in the authors' discussion on "radical" evolutionary psychology and its view that the brain is a collection of modules, each having a particular cognitive task. The authors are clearly skeptical about the existence of these modules, and it would be interesting to know whether they would find the concept of "entangled" modules, i.e. those where task sharing is the defining characteristic, useful for their conception of symbolic inheritance systems.
4. Since plants do not exhibit complex or intentional behaviors, the authors need to show why behavioral inheritance systems are not relevant, or weakly so, in the evolutionary biology of plants. This point is naturally made at the place in the book where the authors discuss the difficulties of showing the relevance of behavioral inheritance systems in animals, i.e. showing the existence of animal traditions and so on. This question can also be asked in their discussion on symbolic inheritance systems: plants do not interpret symbols or have symbolic grammars. Here again, the authors point to the absence (or purported absence) of symbolic systems in animals. Humans therefore seem to have a multi-dimensional inheritance system, and are therefore unique in this regard.
5. In their discussion of symbolic inheritance systems, the authors place too much emphasis on generative theories of grammar, and do not take into account other theories, such as cognitive grammar. How would these other theories be integrated into their thinking on the role of symbolic inheritance systems?

More Dynamic, Information-Rich View of Evolution
Jablonka and Lamb pull together many ideas about evolution to suggest that the Modern Synthesis prevalent since the 1930s is due for a reconceptualization. They argue that evolution involves not one but four kinds of inheritance systems: genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, and (in humans) symbolic. Epigenetic systems involve cellular variations appearing in the course of development, so that cells with the same DNA can develop in quite different directions. Since this information is preserved when cells divide, it can also be inherited in the reproduction of unicellular or asexually reproducing multicellular organisms. (Inheritance by sexually reproducing organisms is tricker but also possible.) Behavioral inheritance among organisms occurs through the transfer of behavior-influencing substances and through imitative and non-imitative learning. Human symbolic communication is an especially rich inheritance system, with features such as the capacity to share imagined behaviors never before tried. The genetic and non-genetic inheritance systems work together in evolution, with non-genetic changes often becoming genetically assimilated. For example, if a human population domesticates cows and starts relying on dairy products, genetic variations in the ability to digest lactose become relevant to natural selection, and so gene frequencies can change as a result of the change in customs. Jablonka and Lamb suggest that non-genetic changes often lead the way in animal evolution, with genetic changes playing catch-up.

Not only is this book a far cry from the simplistic genetic determinism that characterizes many popular discussions of evolution, but it is also a departure from 20th-century Darwinian orthodoxy. While genetic changes are usually blind to outcomes, the variations that are transmitted epigenetically, behaviorally or symbolically are often more targeted, arising in responses to signals from the environment. The environment plays the dual role of inducing as well as selecting variations, and the variations are more like educated guesses about what will work than random shots in the dark. The fact that these acquired innovations can be inherited (one way or another, though not by direct modifications of genes) means that evolution is partly Lamarckian after all, at least in a broad sense of the term.

Orthodox Darwinism has always been a philosophically puzzling doctrine. For a theory of change, it has placed a surprising amount of emphasis on the continuity of being, with change appearing as an accident that only occasionally happens to contribute to that continuity. For a theory of information, it has been surprisingly preoccupied with blind, completely uninformed variation. Jablonka and Lamb's understanding of evolution is both more dynamic and informationally richer. Inherited information is no longer confined to the genome, but can include information acquired and used in the course of development. Organisms participate in evolution not just as vehicles for the transmission of fixed information units (genes or their imagined cultural counterparts, memes, a notion J & L critique vigorously), but as active acquirers and interpreters of information. This is consistent with Stuart Kauffman's contention that life is even more complex and creative than biologists have realized.

The book is extremely well written and documented, so that the arguments are easy to follow by readers with a limited background in biology.Highly recommended for biologists and non-biologists alike.

Ways ahead
Jablonka and Lamb have written an impressive, incisive book, with a light touch and an personal approach.They demonstrate ways (genetic, epigenetic, behavioral and symbolic) in which organisms "inherit" from their predecessors. One does not have to agree with all their positions to profit from way they consider general developmental issues.Our culture has taken a step forward through their symbolic creation---it's not the "memes" they provide, but their way of laying the basis for interacting evolutionary processes. ... Read more

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This is the story of the man without whom the name Charles Darwin might be unknown to us today. That man was Captain Robert FitzRoy, who invited the 22-year-old Darwin to be his companion on board the Beagle .

Customer Reviews (12)

outstanding
My 1940 published book was in excellent condition and arrived prior to the date that it was expected.I cannot recommend this seller too highly.

A remarkable story, very well written
When I was a kid I lived in the city of Punta Arenas (Chile), in a neighbourhood known as Fitzroy. I didn't know much about this name until I read "The voyage of the Beagle" by Darwin a few years ago, and truth is the book really made an impression on me. But I was eager also to know more about captain Robert Fitzroy and especially the years he spent in the southest part of my country, surveying all the islands and having contact with the natives of this zone, either Yaghan, Ona or Alacalufe.

The life of Robert Fitzroy is so interesting and fascinating. In his first voyage he took three natives back to England and they spent two years there until the second voyage, where these natives were brought back to their "countries" and also was the moment for Darwin to accompany Fitzroy as a naturalist. The story of these yaghans, the descriptions of its life and customs, the time spent in England and how they were put back with his people make this story worthy of admiration, worthy for a PBS/BBC documentary.One of these indians lived in Navarino Island, a place my mother lived in the 1960s, in the little Chilean city of Puerto Williams -- another reason for reading this book. I can only recommend all the readers to travel to the south of Chile, you can go to Punta Arenas and from there to know the Magellan Strait, cross to Tierra del Fuego and even go to Navarine island and to know the Beagle Channel ... those are just captivating and precious landscapes., you won't be regretted.

In my opinion, Fitzroy should be known more in my country, he is part of it, and this book or another biography is for sure a pleasant reading. This book is precious, commendable for lovers of exploration and the reading is fluid. I wish I could take a course in "creative writing" with this author.

The lives of Robert FitzRoy
Robert FitzRoy was a brilliant, fascinating and complex man. While this book focusses primarily on his role as the Captain of 'HMS Beagle' during two voyages (the second included Charles Darwin), it includes other aspects of his career and life.

Mr Nichols presents the facts- especially those related to the voyages of HMS Beagle- well.While acknowledging the later differences between Darwin and FitzRoy, the facts are presented impartially.In summary, we owe a great deal to the collaboration between Darwin and FitzRoy. The fact that their complementary skills and intellects were only combined through a form of coincidental opportunities is the purest serendipity.

Highly recommended to those who would like to know more about the events and circumstances behind Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle as well as the voyage itself.

I am currently reading as much as I can about Robert FitzRoy, and can recommend the following two books as well:

This is a novel about Robert Fitzroy:
This Thing of Darkness
This is a biography of the HMS Beagle herself:
HMS "Beagle" (Voyages S.)

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

A stormy life
Britain's Royal Navy has had many figures worthy of note.Some of these have inspired good works of history, while others prompted novelists to produce stirring tales of more or less believable adventures.Captain William Bligh almost immediately comes to mind, as does Patrick O'Brian's lengthy series on Jack Aubrey.One real figure, who should stand out for many accomplishments, has been quietly relegated to the shadows - if not scorned for holding rigid views.Robert FitzRoy, however, was a man of many parts who deserves better treatment.Peter Nichols provides that assessment in this fine biography.The title, however, gives the game away.FitzRoy's name was overshadowed by the passenger he carried for five years, Charles Robert Darwin.

FitzRoy's ascent to the captaincy of HMS Beagle seemed ill-omened.His predecessor, Stokes Pringle, overwhelmed by the enormity of his assignment, put a bullet in his head, taking a dozen days to expire.The task, mapping a channel through Tierra del Fuego in an effort to smooth the path of empire, was taxing enough to make the bravest quail.The 500 kilometre strait might require sailing five times that distance to traverse it - if you made it at all. FitzRoy, although unaccountably young for the mapping job, took it over and pursued it with determination.During the survey, a whaleboat stolen by the Fuegians proved a pivotal point in his life.In attempting to recover the boat, FitzRoy abducted four of the natives, returning them to England as a means of raising them to become civilised Christians.Nichols seems sympathetic to this concept, even while knowing it was doomed to failure.

The world knows the subsequent events: while preparing for the next voyage, FitzRoy brought on board a "companion", Charles Darwin.Not Navy, and not the official "naturalist", Darwin was a gentlemen who could converse with the isolated officer.As a "gentleman", Darwin had less regard for the Fuegians than did FitzRoy, yet condemned slavery while the captain viewed the practice as a civilising force.This discussion was set aside when the pair observed the obvious effects of running water far from the sea.A Noachean Flood, or an ancient Earth?There were clashes and apologies, FitzRoy driving Darwin from his cabin, only to lure him back.The captain's moods were an on-going topic of the ship's officers.The dismal end of his predecessor also may have preyed on FitzRoy's mind when the Beagle beat up the Chilean coast.He believed the mapping inadequate and wanted to return to the Strait for more surveys.Distraught, he actually resigned his command, but was talked out of it by his officers.

At the end of the survey voyage, FitzRoy went through several roles.Unable to gain a ship, he was a Member of Parliament briefly and was sent to New Zealand as its governor.Empire building is fraught with risks and Nichols is only mildly sympathetic with FitzRoy's disastrous role there.The new governor was shipped home after but two years.Back in England, FitzRoy's command skills brought him to a novel task - weather forecasting.The science was just beginning and FitzRoy initiated a reporting and prediction system across the British Isles.At the height of his success at this venture, the Admiralty shut it down, even in the face of the fishing fleet's demands to sustain it.A see-saw career if there ever was one.

The final chapter of the Captain's life [by which time he was a Rear Admiral] was one of fundamental challenges.Already a religious man, FitzRoy became steeped in the Bible's words, becoming convinced it would brook no challenges.Changes observed in the natural record were manifestations of the divine, FitzRoy believed.His notions were reinforced by various commentators like Philip Gosse, who viewed the growing sciences of geology and biology with fear and loathing.In 1859, however, all those declaring Nature could be unravelled by Biblical study were directly refuted by the publication of Darwin's opus, "On the Origin of Species".Reason and evidence triumphed over superstition and dogma.FitzRoy was outraged, and expressed it at the famous British Association meeting the following year.

It's not known how much this revelation led to FitzRoy's taking his own life, but it can hardly have been insignificant.Nichols concludes that Darwin's work was but one symbol of a rapidly changing time.The author examines British society at this point in FitzRoy's with a perceptive eye.Civilisation was moving forward and the author concludes FitzRoy felt left behind.The fear of social upheaval was already being overtaken by events - Darwin's natural selection had little, if anything, to do with it, notes Nichols.It's a worthy thesis, lacking only a more thorough analysis of its roots.We never learn of the early foundations of the captain's thinking. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Evolution's Captain
This was bought as a gift and I only leafed through it ... The recipient was delighted and I intend to borrow the book as soon as possible.Very interesting !! ... Read more

Product Description

Referring to Lewis Carroll's Red Queen from Through the Looking-Glass, a character who has to keep running to stay in the same place, Matt Ridley demonstrates why sex is humanity's best strategy for outwitting its constantly mutating internal predators. The Red Queen answers dozens of other riddles of human nature and culture -- including why men propose marriage, the method behind our maddening notions of beauty, and the disquieting fact that a woman is more likely to conceive a child by an adulterous lover than by her husband. Brilliantly written, The Red Queen offers an extraordinary new way of interpreting the human condition and how it has evolved.

Customer Reviews (85)

excellent perspective on the origins of sex and altruism
A convincing evolutionary perspective on the origins of sexual reproduction and many behaviors that do not immediately seem understandable in terms of "survival of the fittest", including altruism. Easy to read for the layman, but still well-supported by references. A must-read for anyone interested in evolution or the philosophically inclined.

Packed with insights, top shelf book for evolutionists
Ridley answered so many excellent questions I hadn't even thought to ask.Why is there sex at all instead of more clone-type replication?Why are there normally two genders, not three or a dozen?Under what circumstances in the wild do you find polygamy, cuckoldry, monogamy, infanticide, and polyandry?What dimorphic differences do you find between males and females, under different circumstances.Why do you often find females, in the wild, distributed in relation to food sources -- and then males distributed in relation to females?Chapter by chapter, this book is rich, organized, and engaging.In the last hundred pages Ridley turns to humans, and although more speculative, he offers even more extraordinary insights.OK, the occassional sentence is convoluted and there is a little repetition, but this is a masterful book.Every chapter -- practically every page -- is rewarding.

After all, at the core of natural selection you'll find males and females (and sometimes others) competing with, cooperating with, tricking, confusing, manipulating, and using one another.This applies to male-female relationships (of course), but also male-male,and female-female ones.The complexities of their strategies are unveiled with the full treatment: Competing theories, evidence for and against, and then a summary or synthesis to put it in perspective.

All this puts The Red Queen square on my top shelf with The Origin of the Species, The Selfish Gene, The Ancestor's Tale, Social Evolution, and the Moral Animal.Not an easy read, perhaps, but if you want to understand natural selection, you must have this book.

A good but dangerous book
The plot is like this: to adapt to the enviornment, organisms need to produce progenies that bear genetic materials appropriately different from the parents.The best way is clearly not by pure mutations but by exchanges of genetic materials because this is more efficient in preserving the good mutations.Very soon, the phenomenon of parasitism emerges and you need genetic polymorphism to fight against this.Sexual reproduction also enhances the fight against parasitism greatly (see Ch.3).

Meanwhile (the plot now gets a bit more complicated), a very important form of symbiosis develops: the presence of mitochondria in complicated cells (and similarly chloroplasts in some other complicated cells).These organelles (mitochondria and chloroplasts) retain their own genetic materials.These genetic materials will tend to fight against those of other foreign organelles during sexual reproduction.It is a bit complicated - but this is the reason why there are males and female organisms (see Ch. 4).

Once you have male and female genders, males and females will try to attact each other.They attract each other purely for procreation.They also develop lots of features and behaviors to increase the chance of reproducing successfully (Ch 5,6 and 7).Males and females also thus possess different minds (Ch. 8).

Modern human beings, because of the inheritance of the above, develop various interesting behaviors, with the purpose and aim of producing progenies successfully (Ch. 9).And believe it of not, that's how human intelligence evolved (to be smart to outwit competitors - Ch. 10).

But the story has only BEGUN - and the book stops when things are starting to get really interesting - namely: intelligence, merely a by-product of sexual selection, is the most beautiful thing in the universe.Without being aware of this, this book is dangerous.The astute reader should start contemplating at the end of the book how our intelligence has outwit natural selection, resulting in some of the greatest achievements ever present on earth.

Well worth the read
I am not a biologist, anthropologist, genetecist.... or, indeed, any sort of 'ist' in the scientific sense. This book covers some very complex biological issues, but it does so in a way that can easily be grasped by the lay-person... perhaps I don't understand all the minutiae of the processes and principles being discussed, but at least I am led by Mr Ridley to a basic understanding of those things.

I read a second book by this same gentleman (I forget the title for the moment) and I didn't enjoy it quite as much, but this book is a great read for the non-scientist who wants to learn more.

I think, even though I am admittedly not as long-steeped in the studies of Mr Ridley, not always convinced by everything he suggests but I have no doubt that Mr Ridley is enough of a scientist to allow for the possibility of error or in his conclusions. I have read this book several times already and will read it again.

C. John Thompson

Fantastic book
Ridley is one of the best writers on this subject.It is delight to read!Whether you are a novice or well versed on the subject you will find the facts interesting and easy to follow.
Highly recommended!!
... Read more

Product Description
With the advent of mind-body medicine, it is now possible to combine the healing principles of both the medical and spiritual fields. To this end, Dr. Phil Shapiro has developed a ten-step, self-help model that he uses himself and teaches to his students and patients. After you have received your medication, surgery, or natural remedy and you are still in pain, there are a variety of psychosocial and spiritual methods that can help you manage that pain skillfully. The ten-step model described in this book is a composite of healing principles and methods extracted from the great wisdom traditions and organized into cognitive-behavioral practices. These techniques are designed to help the reader accomplish three goals: 1. Expand healing power: for body, mind, and soul 2. Become more skillful pain managers: for any pain, problem, disease, or disability 3. Evolve spiritually: feel better, become a better person, and experience higher states of consciousness To take advantage of the healing principles embedded in the religions, we need to solve the problem of toxic language and traumatic religious history. There is a way to do this. We can design healing models that serve people of all persuasions: Baptists, Sufis, ethical humanists, scientific atheists, true believers, true non-believers-all of us have the same magnificent healing power in every cell of our bodies, and we know how to make it grow. The ten steps do not declare answers to life's big questions, such as why we are born, why there is so much suffering and evil, whether there is a God, and where we go after death. However, we can apply the wealth of healing wisdom in the great faith traditions to help us manage our pain and heal. This book is written for atheists, agnostics, religious or spiritual persons. Anyone can play in the expanded field of healing power. ... Read more

Product Description
A compelling, authoritative, and superbly illustrated account of the rise and eventual domination of our species.

Human domination of the earth is now so complete that it is easy to forget how recently our role in the history of the planet began: the earliest apes evolved around twenty million years ago, yet Homo sapiens has existed for a mere 150,000 years. In the intervening period, many species of early ape and human have lived and died out, leaving behind the fossilized remains that have helped to make the detailed picture of our evolution revealed here.

This exciting, up-to-the-minute account is divided into three accessible sections. "In Search of Our Ancestors" examines the contexts in which fossilized remains have been found and the techniques used to study them. "The Fossil Evidence" traces in detail the evolution of apes and humans, from Proconsul to the australopithecines, and Homo erectus to the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The latest fossil finds at major new sites such as Dmanisi in Georgia and Gran Dolina in Spain are appraised, and new advances in genetic studies, including the extraction of DNA from extinct human species, are evaluated. "Interpreting the Evidence" reconstructs and explains the evolution of human behavior, describing the development of tool use, the flourishing of the earliest artists, and the spread of modern humans to all corners of the world.

The book is superbly illustrated with hundreds of photographs, diagrams, and specially commissioned reconstruction drawings by the artist John Sibbick. 430 illustrations, 175 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Good general overview
I purchased this book based on a recommendation of a university professor. The book has current information based on up to date data from field work. It is a good solid foundation of ape to man evolution. It reviews field and laboratory methods for dating finds. The book has a good writing style and is very readable with clear and relevant examples. The are also good diagrams and photos of the work and the bones and tools found. I recommend the book for anyone looking for a good overview.

Great book
I am not an expert in this area. I saw a TV series on Discovery channel and I got interested. This book offers SO MUCH information!! It is written rigorously like an academic book, but the wealth of pictures, photos, make it an interesting read. I learned a lot from this book. I also like the fact that they provide lots of facts, and not so much speculation. I'd recommend it to people who are interested in learning more about human evolution.

good introduction into the world of paleoanthropology
This book gives a good introduction into the origins and ancestry of the human species. It is divided into three parts.
The first part gives insight in how the research field operates with chapters about the geological timescale, human variation, analytical techniques, dating technologies, taphonomy, etc. What is especially good about this segment is that it also discusses six excavation sites so you get a real feel about what paleoanthropology is all about. This is all done in a short, understandable way, but without simplifying things.
The second part covers the fossil evidence and takes us on the trail of our origins. It covers some 30 million years of history. Beginning with the origins of primates, it takes you on a tour covering the fossils of amongst others Proconsul, Australopithecus Africanus, Homo Ergaster, Homo Erectus, the Neanderthals, Homo Floresiensis, Homo Sapiens. These are all discussed in short chapters doing justice to the scientific issues concerning them (and there are a lot, because all the evidence is scarce and incomplete). Other issues, what makes an ape, migration (multi-regional versus out of Africa), Neanderthal DNA, and others, are also discussed separately.
The third part interprets the evidence. Discussing locomotion in apes and humans, feeding habits, use of tools, art etc.
All in all this book gives a short but clear cut introduction into this field. It is well ordered, written clearly and accompanied by beautiful photography, illustrations and graphics. I also read Carl Zimmer's Smithsonian Intimate guide to human origins but prefer this one because it does more justice to the scientific difficulties and complexities that this field of research has to cope with. (But by all means read that one also! Or his Parasite Rex, which was great!)

The Complete World of Human Evolution"
Chris Stringer and Peter Andrews did a superlative job with the book. It is the best one I have read on the subject. It is beautifully illustrated with copious colored photos and drawings. The pages are of thick quality paper. The topic is covered thoroughly and competently. It is very up to date and educational. It would make a great gift, a great reference book, a great textbook for an anthropology course, or just a great read for yourself. I think that it is priced at only one-fourth of its real value and I love bargains.
Ralph Hermansen, March 7, 2007

World of Human Evolution
Excellent! Author deals with the subject in a articulate and coherent manner. ... Read more

Product Description

This remarkable book presents a rich and up–to–date view of evolution that explores the far–reaching implications of Darwin's theory and emphasizes the power, significance, and relevance of evolution to our lives today. After all, we ourselves are the product of evolution, and we can tackle many of our gravest challenges –– from lethal resurgence of antiobiotic–resistant diseases to the wave of extinctions that looms before us –– with a sound understanding of the science.

Zimmer's text is fresh and expansive, explaining both the minutiae of comparative anatomy and the grand scale of geological time with verve and clarity. Following the trend of turn-of-the-century evolution writers, he treats the religious beliefs of creationists with respect, while firmly insisting that the scientific evidence against their position is too compelling to ignore. Touching on biology, philosophy, theology, politics, and nearly every other field of human thought, Evolution will inspire its readers with the elegance and importance of Darwin's simple theory. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (74)

Triumph of a Book
Zimmer has once again triumphed with a work of solid erudition and admirable clarity. By turns entertaining and informative, he writes with a clean style. Neither as technical as Dawkins or Dennett, nor as luxurious as Gould, this book nevertheless showers the reader with the gold of understanding, should it be lacking, and new perspectives. For a reader not already steeped in the technicalities of evolutionary writing or the politics of creationism, this is an excellent place to come for a first, sweeping view of the depth and grandeur of this, one of modern science's defining ideas. And for those who sensibilities are sometimes blunted by too much of either, this is a lovely, light way to rekindle the flame of wonder at the fundamentals. (The fundamentalists probably getting on one's nerves by this point.)

The triumph of an idea must, of course, start with the inception of an idea, and Zimmer devotes a considerable proportion of the book to its seminal figure, Charles Darwin. In this year of Darwin frenzy one will have been hard-put to avoid reading about this poor man, upon whom I inadvertently trampled in Westminster Abbey last Summer. Don't let that put you off; Zimmer wrote these passages years before the deluge of publications cashing in on the bicentenary and they are part of his narrative.

Darwin's character cannot now cast light on the fact of evolution, as we would have known of it through Erasmus, Lamarck and Wallace had he never lived, and the positive flood of information garnered since his death makes this one of the surest bastions of modern science. Still, it is comforting to know what a genial and fair-minded cove he was, and what a thorough scientist. Zimmer's passages covering the tragedies and trials of his life are moving, and one hears with sympathy how this deeply religious man, trained as a pastor, had his faith shaken and mostly beaten away not by his work but by his losses. Darwin has made life easier for us atheists by eliminating the largest single Gap for Gods, but is was never his intention.

I have read dozens of books of science in general and evolution in particular, but there always seems to be something new and striking to report, especially with an author of Zimmer's accomplishment. The one that made me laugh out loud on a Swiss train, possibly pleasing the shade of Zwingli, is the nugget that the farmers of Berne in 1478 sued a plague of beetles in the ecclesiastical court, winning a Ban of Anathema and the beetles being bound over to keep the peace. Or that the African bottleneck of 60,000 to 170,000 years ago leaves humanity with less genetic diversity that he chimpanzees of a single forest. This casts perhaps less light on our evolution than that the trend towards 2.4 children is reducing selection pressure and therefore, presumably, both contributing to the accumulation of bad genes and reducing rates of progressive change.

One insight that I found both striking and delightful was the observation that documented rates of change in the fossil record, such as the rather well-covered evolution of whales, are several orders of magnitude lower than the rates of evolution that can be observed in the field, such as in guppy fish. Part of this can probably be explained in terms of changes of frequency in existing mutations, but it turns the creationist canard about "microevolution" and "macroevolution" right on its head. What we need to explain in the fossil record, based on "microevolution" is why so little change is seen over geological time!

Oh, dear. I said the "c"-word. Yes, Zimmer expends a penultimate section on the sadly and tediously necessary refutation of creationist nonsense and their antics in courts and classrooms in the USA. It doesn't spoil the book and is yet another litany of triumphs, but one cannot help but mourn that a triumph was ever necessary. He deals with these frustrating and infuriating episodes lightly and with less vitriol than I might have mustered. At the end of the Day-Age, evolution is necessary understanding in a range of fields, not least agriculture, medicine and petrochemicals extraction, and is becoming an engineering field in its own right as it is applied not only in selective breeding but in creating novel software and electronics. Software agents have for some time been able to defeat human fighter pilots in simulation, and it is evolution that got them there. Don't leave home without it!

Zimmer is a wonderful science writer and his triumph, like that of Darwin himself, is complete.

Wow!
I just wanted to say Wow!Awesome book!I couldn't put it down.Other reviewers do a great job of explaining why....

really enjoyable
as someone who is a novice when it comes to biology I found this book highly enjoyable.I can't believe that people can look at all the evidence and not come away with an unshakable belief in evolution.Evolution is the foundation of allbiology.

Great introductorybook
As a biologist, I highly recommend this book to anyone to get a good understanding of evolution.

A good introduction and overview
This review is based on the currently in-print September 2006 paperback "revised" edition.

The illustrations mentioned in reviews based on earlier editions are not a part of the 2006 paperback version; it is simply text.Also, though it is a "revised" edition, some opportunities for revision were missed (e.g., Orrorin Tugenesis is mentioned as the oldest known hominid ancestor, there is no reference to the 2001/2002 discovery of the older Sahelanthropus Tchadensis).

The early chapters provide an excellent history of pre-Darwinian concepts of evolution and Darwin's own life and struggles.But, for a book that starts so strong with presenting the history of the development of evolutionary theory, after describing the mid-twentieth century New Synthesis (and some reference to Ernst Mayer's contributions to the field), the author fails to take the opportunity to continue on and describe post 1950's developments and refinements in the subject.I find it particularly ironic that there is no mention of the important concept of Punctuated Equilibrium, given that one of its promoters, Stephen Jay Gould, wrote the introduction.

Of course, only so much can be put into an overview, but completing the history of the development of the Great Idea would have made this a stronger, more complete book.The author gets sidetracked and spends too much ink discussing extinction and man's involvement in screwing up the planet; less on those subjects would have provided the space to complete the historical overview and bring us up to date on the current scientific opinions regarding the Theory of Evolution.

But these are small points, and should not deter someone from purchasing this good introduction to Evolution.As with all of Carl Zimmer's books, it is an interesting, engaging book to read.

For a book that dives deeper into the subject, and from more of a paleontological rather than scientific journalist perspective, I highly, highly recommend Donald Prothero's book, Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters. ... Read more

Product Description
In 2005 the Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn wrote a guest editorial in The New York Times that sparked a worldwide debate about "Creation and Evolution". Pope Benedict XVI instructed the Cardinal to study more closely this problem and the current debate between "evolutionism" and "creationism," and asked the yearly gathering of his former students to address these questions.

Even after Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, he has continued to maintain close contact with the circle of his former students. The "study circle" (Schulerkrers) meets once a year with Pope Benedict XVI for a conference. Many of these former Ratzinger students have gone on to become acclaimed scholars, professors and writers, as well as high ranking Church prelates.

This book documents the proceedings of the remarkable conference on the topic of "Creation and Evolution" hosted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. It includes papers that were presented from the fields of natural science, philosophy and theology, and records the subsequent discussion, in which Pope Benedict XVI himself participated.

"Ultimately it comes down to the alternative: What came first?Creative Reason, the Creator Spirit who makes all things and gives them growth, or Unreason, which, lacking any meaning, strangely enough brings forth a mathematically ordered cosmos, as well as man and his reason. The latter, however, would then be nothing more than a chance result of evolution and thus, in the end, equally meaningless. As Christians, we say: I believe in God the Father, the Creator of heaven and earth.I believe in the Creator Spirit.We believe that at the beginning of everything is the eternal Word, with Reason and not Unreason."
-- Pope Benedict XVI

"Creation and Evolution is an extraordinary opportunity for the public to listen in on the conversation as some of the greatest minds in the Catholic Church -- theologians, philosophers, scientists, and Pope Benedict himself -- wrestle with one of the most thorny and far-reaching of topics. Participants clash repeatedly over what we really know about the forces that shaped life on earth, over what is data and what is hype, over what certain scenarios might mean even if they were true. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know where we might have come from and where we might be headed.
-- Michael J. Behe, Lehigh University, Author of The Edge of Evolution

"At a time when evolution is the subject of so many bitter polemics, it is refreshing to see theologians and scientists together to engage in respectful, informed, and thoughtful discussion of it."
-- Stephen M. Barr, professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Delaware, and author of Modern Physics and Ancient Faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Creative and Intelligent Discussion
For one who teaches science and lives by faith reading this book was a reinforcement of my belief that I am doing the right thing and living the right way.
Life is more than just physical matter. In our daily lives we need to make decisions that could impact and change our lives forever, for this reason, our brain isn't always at it's best therefore at this point we need some greater than ourselves guidance.
The opinion expressed in the book by some of the greatest scientific and theological minds will be a source of wisdom and intellectual wealth to any reader despite the scientific or theological point of view.
I am going to read the book again, because this is one of these books that you want to learn, remember and get the most out of it.

An Intelligently Designed Conference Based on Reasoned Debate and Discussion
CREATION AND EVOLUTION is a book based on papers and discussion presented by well known scholars at a Conference at Castel Gandolfo hosted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. The men who wrote papers and engaged in intelligent debate offered "food for thought" to those interested in the supposed debate re Creation vs. Evolution. Regardless of what one believes re this debate topic, the book offers an intelligent alternative to the ad hominem views presented in the popular press and media.

The participants during this conference were Pope Benedict XVI, Prof. Peter Schuster who is professor of chemisty at the University of Vienna, Prof. Robert Spacemann who is professor emeritus of philosophy at the Ludwig Maximilian-University in Munich, Germany, Prof Paul Erbrichch who is professor emeritus in Muhich Germany,and Cardinal Schonborn who is the Archbishop of Vienna and author of the book titled CHANCE OR PURPOSE. These men wrote papers and debated differences with intelligence and clarity.

Prof. Schuster wrote a facinating paper re molecular biology, genetics, and develop of organisms from simple cell structure. This essay had some interesting points that cellular development appears to have purpose and some sort of design. Prof. Schuster used effective metaphors to explain mutations of cells which occur much faster than previously thought. One interesting metaphor was the competition between cells and viruses. Prof. Schuster explained that when viruses attack cells, cells mutate a genetic defense. Then the viruses mutate to overcome cellular defense while in turn cells develop (mutate) to face new challenges. Prof. Schuster called this continual "combat" and arms race between cells and viruses. Prof. Schuster did not offere a simple "creation" explanation, but he did explain that there was some underlying purpose which could imply Intelligent Design. Prof. Schuster wrote a clear explanation of how cells cooperate to form more complex organisms. Those cells,called renegrade cells, are rejected or combatted otherwise the organism is harmed. A good example of renegade cells is the formation of cancer cells. Prof. Schuster provided good color plates at the end of his paper to explain RNA, DNA, genetic history, etc.

Prof. Spaemann wrote the next essay in this book. His approach was both scientific and philosphical. He dealt with First Cause(what some may call God)as an explanation of design and development of life. His basic thesis was that must be a First Cause or what may be called a priori reasoning to explain the development and continuation of life. He did not dismiss evolutionary biology or modern scientific discoveries which was important to this essay and following discussions.

The following essay by Father Erbrich, S.J., was an interesing defense of Intelligent Design. Father Erbrich answered critics who argued that life forms are self organized. His question was self organized by what or Whom. He basically argued that there is a causality of life forms given their development and changes which could lead to the conclusion of what St. Thomas Aquinas called the First Cause or what Aristotle called The Unmoved Mover.

Cardinal Schonborn wrote the next essay in this book. He dealt with the "tough" questions such as cruelty in nature, apparent goals of life forms, etc. He is obviosuly a partisan of the Catholic Church and Catholic philosophy and theology. Yet, he is clear that such thought does not and should not discard scientific discoveries.

The discussions followed the essays, and the participants raised objections and answered these objections in a calm, intelligent manner. The participants all agreed that no one had the "final answer" and that continued developments in science and philosophy would offer "new frontiers" for further books and intelligent debate.

An earlier lecture by Prof. Spaemann concluded the book. Spaemann' view was that life forms have an apparent purpose to not onlysurvive but to thrive and reproduce. He maintained that such obversations pointed to some ultimate cause or Aquinas' First Cause. This essay was a good conclusion to the book.

This reviewer's only criticism of the book is that there should have been papers on astronomy and geology which would obviously have enhanced the book and discussions. Readers should be aware that astronomical and geological events have shaped life forms on this planet. Yet, the essays that were presented were well written and interesing.

This book showed what intelligent men can achieve when they are not exposed to hysteria, religious literalism, and scientism as opposed to intelligent science. The essays were so well written that even those with limited knowledge of science or theology can benefit from the book. The book is also a welcomed relief from media hysteria and shallow popularity. The book is highly recommended. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (11)

A magical performance on the development of the "Rules"
First, the disclaimer.Jack Lynch and I are not related, but we know each other through a common interest in Samuel Johnson (a web search on Johnson will quickly get you to both our sites). I have been in the acknowledgments in at least one of his books, and if I ever get my Johnson anthology published he will be in mine.

Now, the book review. The dilemma in the title refers to the lexicographer's choice between being prescriptive (providing rules and taking a position of authority) and being descriptive (describing how the language is used, and not taking a position on what you should do). It's a false choice, and Lynch pretty much acknowledges that early on; not only does he say that the title choice was his publishers, but he provides a number of examples where lexicographers have chosen something in between.

In a largely chronological exploration of the development of dictionaries and language styles, Lynch explores the ways lexicographers have hewed to either a prescriptive or descriptive extreme or chosen something in between. And although this sounds like a book you might need to blow the dust off, that's not true at all: the book is closer to a romp. A romp, you say? Yes, I do, because with each discussion of Horace, Dryden, Johnson, Webster, and so on, Lynch lays out practical implications of their actions, drawing not just on a specific lexicographer's or grammarian's opus, but examples in our own language.

And the so called 'rules'? They ain't necessarily so: it's not like they came to Moses on a tablet; they were the inventions of studied men, and while they had authority at their backs, their intentions can be characterized as misguided. For example, the split infinitive ("to swiftly run" vs. "to run swiftly"). Those who said we shouldn't split our infinitives were trying to make English conform to Latin or Greek, where the infinitive form is a single word (a conjugated, one word verb) which cannot be split. And of course, the fact that you can't do it in Latin doesn't mean you can't do it in English.

As Lynch brings out issues such as these, and the history not just of dictionaries and dictionary *publishing* (yes, the marketing department's actions have an impact, too), Lynch sweetens the pot with all sorts of beguiling discussions, and doesn't hesitate to delve into current colloquialisms to entertain.At one point he even hesitates before his punch line to interject - - wait for it - - "wait for it."

It's a thorough book, bringing in even George Carlin, and how his list of seven words solidified censors' concepts of what to allow... That was a surprise.

And as for his chapter on Samuel Johnson - - probably the one chapter where I know the subject well enough to immediately see the choices he made in what and what not to write about - - he has left out a considerable amount of arcane information in order to keep the story moving. The story moves in all the chapters, but I presume he cast a sharp eye on omitting similar arcana there.

In short, if you're into words and ever wondered about our language and why some of our "rules" have so many exceptions, this is a very informative, very entertaining book. I strongly recommend it.

Everyone's A Critic
It just never gets old. Learning about the history of the English language is intriguing, and at times, depending on the party, quite a sexy party topic.NOT! That is up until now. In "The Lexicographer's Dilemma," Mr. Lynch, a professor of English at Rutgers University offers an entertaining tour of the English language where he traces not just the evolution of the language, but also the evolution of grammar. Through his witty anecdotes he provides insight to the reasoning behind the rules and then details how arbitrary these rules are. For example, ending sentences in prepositions as seen in the previous sentence.
Part of his scoop is to present the tension that exists today between the two main English Language camps: those who describe the language and those who prescribe, or tell how a language should be. One of the most fascinating chapters for all us logophiles, is WORDS WORDS WORDS, where Lynch traces the evolution of grammar primers and the dictionary. He even details the linguistical speed bumps that haunted the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
All in all the writing is concise and accessable. While this book is written for the general population, it clearly appeals to those academics intersted in the history of English language. It was a joy to read and filled with wonderful teaching nuggets that I will use in my courses.The Lexicographer's Dilemma: The Evolution of 'Proper' English, from Shakespeare to South Park

English Never Stands Still
Professor Lynch has written a lucid history of the English language that should be enjoyed by anyone who ever balked at memorizing strange rules that change over time.He has a fluid style peppered with interesting and humorous examples of how our language is in constant change.

Must Be Music in Language
Lynch's derision of those who care about the use of language is silly and misses the point. As in music. rules of language may broken -- for emphasis or for symmetry -- but without rules there is only cacophony.

Sometimes Proper
An academic's interesting overview of the English language. Many chapters of this book are quite good in helping to explain some of the convoluted history behind our native tongue, by way of stories involving such men as Dryden, Swift, Johnson, and Webster.

However, towards its end the book dwindles into liberal correctness (Ebonics "is not inferior" to any other variety of English) and the obvious (language changes will happen ever more frequently in our Internet world).

... Read more

Product Description
What Dunbar suggests--and what his research confirms--is that humans developed language to serve the purpose that grooming served, but far more efficiently. From the nit-picking of chimpanzees to our chats at coffee breaks, from neuroscience to paleoanthropology, this book offers a provocative view of what makes humans human. 5 illustrations.Amazon.com Review
Why is it that among all the primates, only humans havelanguage?According to Professor Robin Dunbar's new book,Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language, humans gossipbecause we don't groom each other. Dunbar builds his argument in alively discussion that touches on such varied topics as the behaviorof gelada baboons, Darwin's theory of evolution, computer-generatedpoetry, and the significance of brain size. He begins with the socialorganization of the great apes. These animals live in small groups andmaintain social cohesion through almost constant groomingactivities. Grooming is a way to forge alliances, establish hierarchy,offer comfort, or make apology. Once a population expands beyond acertain number, however, it becomes impossible for each member tomaintain constant physical contact with every other member of thegroup. Considering the large groups in which human beings have foundit necessary to live, Dunbar posits that we developed language as asubstitute for physical intimacy.

Whether or not you accept Dunbar's premise, his book is worth reading,if only for its animated prose and wealth of scientific information.An obvious choice for science buffs, Grooming, Gossip, and theEvolution of Language is a wonderful book for anyonewith an inquiring mind and an interest in what makes the world goround. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Good Return on my Order
Amazon is easily the most efficient and reliable way to obtain a product not locally available.I already was familiar with the book I ordered, and so the only relevant comments here would be the condition of the book, which was top-notch and exactly as described, and the service, which was fast and dependable.I highly recommend Amazon and its services.(For people interested in linguistics, psychology, and the history of language, I also highly recommend the book I ordered, "Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language." It's well-written, well-researched, funny, stimulating, and introduces a reader to the latest and most surprising research in the field.)

There is much to learn from this book
I read this book when it first came out, and very much enjoyed it. Oddly enough, I was even able to make use of what I learned from it in my job.

There are three main points to the book:

1. There is an observed correlation between neocortex ratio (the ratio of the volume of the neocortex to the volume of the more primitive parts of the brain) and group size among social primates. Note that primate groups achieve cohesion partly through mutual grooming.

2. Dunbar extrapolates this correlation to the human neocortex ratio, with a resulting group size of about 150. While such extrapolation potentially yields nonsense, in this case there is significant evidence that human group size does have a breakpoint at about this number. Hunter-gatherer village sizes, the organization of armies, parish sizes, and many more examples show a natural limit of between 100 and 200 people.

3. Dunbar theorizes that the development of language was encouraged by the need for interaction among groups that were too large for mutual grooming. (Humans are not observed to groom each other the way other primates do, and a group of 150 is too large for this behavior because of the time that would be required.) In his theory verbal interaction--or, colloquially, gossiping--replaced grooming in humans.

While Dunbar's theory is interesting, and may be right, even if it is wrong the book is worth reading for the first two points. It is very instructive regarding why groups work the way they do, and why large societies inevitably have bureaucracies.

I read this book back in the days when Dan Golden was NASA Administrator, and pushing his "Faster, Better, Cheaper" approach to space exploration. (Which had both successes and failures.) I later had a government employee, who was planning a multi-billion dollar space program, ask me if I thought it could be managed with a "Faster, Better, Cheaper" approach, and I said no, it was too large. Although this seemed obvious, I then asked myself why that would be the case. I eventually put instinct together with Dunbar, and realized that you couldn't run a streamlined program if you couldn't keep the size of your core group to about 150 people who interacted with each other. Later reading of accounts of "Faster, Better, Cheaper" programs that succeeded, and reports from panels set up to examine failures, confirmed this conclusion.

So I believe there is a message here for both small businesses and also for larger enterprises trying to decide how to structure programs. This book is thought-provoking and well worth reading.

a fresh "openingmind " tool
exiting but rigorous different approach to the human evolution.
It gives scientific context, opens new doors, stimulates, gives new meaning to our social habbits

A Seminal Book, A Theory that Explains A Lot
This book belongs on the shelf along with "The Origins of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind", "The Moral Animal", "Non Zero", "The Third Chimpanzee" and "Darwin's Dangerous Idea". It is a brilliant theory of the origins of language, supported by statistical analysis of physiological data (relative cortex size of primates, including humans), sociological data (the size of human groups across societies ranging from hunter gatherers to modern armies) and current social psychology experiments by his grad students (spot checks of random conversations in malls and pubs). Well supported, and startling, you will look at your society and your use of language differently.

Good on monkeys, smug and ignorant on people
A classic example of the contemporary smug scientist who assumes that anyone with any belief contrary to their own is a fool. Most obviously in his blithe assertion that if there weren't any theists in the world we'd live in a paradise: every ill in the world can be traced back to religion. While on his own professional ground discussing monkey behaviours, and a helpful summary of 'Theory of Mind' (how aware beings are of a) their own identity 'I believe'; and that of others b) 'I believe that you think'; and how deeply you understand their consciousness c) 'I believe that you think that I believe...- these are levels of 'intensionality') there's some interesting reading.

But once he diverts into anything outside of that: sociology, linguistics, history - he's a total crackpot theorist - of exactly the ilk of some of the 18th century smug theist scientists he'd pillory. For example, as proof that different languages developed as conscious schemes to identify with one group against another, he tells the biblical story of the shibboleth. This would be OK as an example of what he's talking about, but he invests the story with the notion, 'That's what they did back then,' type generality.

There are worse howlers, as when he says that language could never have come from gesture, as gesture is only mime and can never be used symbolically - as if deaf people don't use sign language. To such an objection he says, 'Oh, you couldn't use it at night, so it couldn't be significant.' Whether it is or it isn't, he can be so smug because he's talking about pre-history and will never have to fear disproof. He bandies around millennia as if he really knows, yet avoids rigorous rebuttal because nobody can really know. ... Read more