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How Humans Became Intelligent
How could humans pair bond when our sexual urges are always 'on?' Ever wonder why 30 kids will sit in a chair and obey the teacher all day, the exact opposite of a room full of monkeys? If early man hunted big game on the plains for four million years, why do we get gout if we eat too much red meat? Why do we walk on two legs when even squirrels can run faster than us? Why did we choose a slower method of locomotion than baboons–or heck, every ape, who can outrun us on all fours? Why do we have ear wax that must be rinsed out with water or else it will build up until we’re deaf? Why did our ancestors built burial mounds--it wasn't to send a message to aliens! From the conditions that make genetic change occur in an eyeblink to building houses beginning 12,000 years ago, our path from instinct to intelligence has been an interplay of fortuitous timing and horrible weather. This easy to read, illustrated book connects the dots of archaeological research, genetics and biology to outline the path a small ape took from tree-dwelling in the tropics to advanced education in brick-built colleges in only five million years. What inducement is there for ‘thinking� to replace instinct, which is merely genetically-memorialized intelligence? Intelligence isn’t an absolute, but is on a continuum from instinct to total discretion based on the survival necessity of pondering the options. This book shows the conditions under which instinct fails, causing thought, i.e. intelligence, to bloom. Not just in humans, but in every species. Which makes it an absolute, proving how intelligent life could occur on any planet and any life form, under specific, albeit awful, circumstances. How did humans become intelligent? The answer lies in the nose on your face.
- GenresNonfiction
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2017
244 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 3, 2024
Why You Bought the Lake House
I asked Ms Hartwig if humans became intelligent how come my brother is so stupid? She had an answer. He probably had a head injury early in life. She’s probably correct because he doesn’t remember. I was led to believe (I don’t believe I was ever told) that there was only one humanoid on earth at a time. Except for Cro Magnon man and the Neanderthals. Never gave the idea any thought. Well, lovely Lynnette will cause you to think differently than you did right out of the freshman Anthropology course you took. She offers simple language for a complex subject which will give you pause. I don’t believe your Weather person will be impressed with her expose, but you dear reader will smile, and I think walk away with a new perspective on where we came from and perhaps even why your wife wanted that lake house. It’s an enjoyable good read.
I asked Ms Hartwig if humans became intelligent how come my brother is so stupid? She had an answer. He probably had a head injury early in life. She’s probably correct because he doesn’t remember. I was led to believe (I don’t believe I was ever told) that there was only one humanoid on earth at a time. Except for Cro Magnon man and the Neanderthals. Never gave the idea any thought. Well, lovely Lynnette will cause you to think differently than you did right out of the freshman Anthropology course you took. She offers simple language for a complex subject which will give you pause. I don’t believe your Weather person will be impressed with her expose, but you dear reader will smile, and I think walk away with a new perspective on where we came from and perhaps even why your wife wanted that lake house. It’s an enjoyable good read.
April 1, 2024
This is not an expensive book. However, save your money! It is very poorly researched. More hypothsis and opinion than verified data. I was very disappointed. I was expecting something more scientifically backed up, data driven and verified. Unfortunately this book is very typical of today's internet. I have a degree in anthropology and alway look forward to new findings that shed light on man's past. This was more like the sensational journalism that we are constantly bombarded by on TV, the internet and so called talking heads. I actually had trouble finishing the book and I am a complusive finisher. There are so many better researched books of recent verfied findings around!
February 7, 2023
loved this book so much, I’m reading again!
Although it’s packed full of facts, there is much speculation; but well reasoned with good explanations. Enough so to seriously consider her thoughts on the many subjects she addresses. Her speculations made me think in ways I had not previously and that’s what I found so enticing. If your a black and white sort of person you should give it a pass, otherwise enjoy the trip and learn a thing or two.
Although it’s packed full of facts, there is much speculation; but well reasoned with good explanations. Enough so to seriously consider her thoughts on the many subjects she addresses. Her speculations made me think in ways I had not previously and that’s what I found so enticing. If your a black and white sort of person you should give it a pass, otherwise enjoy the trip and learn a thing or two.
April 29, 2020
Informative and funny.
Author discusses ancient to modern anthropology in a refreshing way. There is no evidence given to support her views other than common sense and a belief in her opinions. Sometimes, I agreed, other times I didn’t. You decide for yourself.
Author discusses ancient to modern anthropology in a refreshing way. There is no evidence given to support her views other than common sense and a belief in her opinions. Sometimes, I agreed, other times I didn’t. You decide for yourself.
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July 2, 2022I agree with David. The style put me off completely- rather like a manic teenager. I lost patience with it enough to have stopped reading. The bit I have read seems to be unsupported speculation and gut feeling. Sorry but not for me
January 18, 2024
Good not great
Was interested in main argument for cognition. Meh, quite disjointed. Couple of interesting chapters. A grumpy editor would have benefitted Ms. H.
Was interested in main argument for cognition. Meh, quite disjointed. Couple of interesting chapters. A grumpy editor would have benefitted Ms. H.
December 20, 2021
I was not able to get past the writing style. The author claims that she wrote it as she did on purpose, but what intelligent person deliberately and proudly chooses to do that? The convoluted rambling and meandering made it difficult to discern if she was making any actual points, and even then the focus seemed to be on her personal feelings about whatever topic was being discussed, rather than shedding light on it.
My advice is to skip this mess, and instead read Yuval Noah Harari and Adam Rutherford, both of which do a much better job.
My advice is to skip this mess, and instead read Yuval Noah Harari and Adam Rutherford, both of which do a much better job.
December 23, 2019
Loved it and learned a lot.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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