Quest : the essence of humanity / Charles Pasternak.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Pasternak, Charles A. (Charles Alexander)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human genetics.

Human evolution.

Intellect.

Physical Description:

xviii, 414 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Other Title:

Essence of humanity

Place of Publication:

Chichester ; Hoboken, NJ : Wiley, 2003.

Summary:

For years science, philosophy and religion have sought to find the single factor that makes humans different from other animals. Many confidently expected to find a human gene - a single element possessed by no other animal that made us unique. Charles Pasternak believes that such a gene does not exist. Humans differ from other primates only in small changes of genes that are common to both.

Pasternak argues that it is the heightened ability of humans to quest beyond their immediate needs that has driven human development. The upright human posture, together with physically skilful hands, a sophisticated vocal cord and three times as many cortical neurons as a chimpanzee, have put humans in their highly advantageous position.

This thoughtful work spans science, philosophy, religion and the arts, to examine the past and the future of the human race.

Notes:

"Bibliography": pages [391]-395.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0470851449

OCLC:

51965391

Online:

Publisher description