The Selfish Ape: Human Nature and Our Path to Extinction (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781789141559)

Weaving together stories of science and sociology, The Selfish Ape offers a refreshing response to common fantasies about the ascent of humanity. Rather than imagining modern humans as a species with godlike powers, or Homo deus, Nicholas P. Money recasts us as Homo narcissus--paragons of self-absorption. This exhilarating story offers an immense sweep of modern biology, leading readers from earth's unexceptional location in the cosmos to the story of our microbial origins and the innerworkings of the human body. It explores human genetics, reproduction, brain function, and aging, creating an enlightened view of man as a brilliantly inventive, yet self-destructive animal.

The Selfish Ape is a book about human biology, the intertwined characteristics of our greatness and failure, and the way that we have plundered the biosphere. Written in a highly accessible style, it is a perfect read for those interested in science, human history, sociology, and the environment.

Author: Nicholas P. Money
ISBN-10: 1789141559
ISBN-13: 9781789141559
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Language: English
Published: 08/15/2019
Pages: 152
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.70h x 5.70w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 10/01/2020