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rlnj's review
3.0
This book discusses many aspects of our human uniqueness (both good and bad). It is well known that we share roughly 98% of the same DNA with chimpanzees. If our genetics are so similar, then what is it that makes us so drastically different from our primate relatives? Diamond lays out many behavioral and cultural factors that set us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. He also spends time discussing the importance of language in developing, sharing and preserving ideas across generations.
All in all this book was rather interesting and educational. I found some parts of it superfluous. Not that they weren't good chapters, but they seemed to be misplaced in this book.
If you want to learn about how language and agriculture helped separate us from the pack, and how our propensity to murder and destroy our environment hold us back, then you'll be quite satisfied. There is a good deal about primate sex too....so if that interests you :P
All in all this book was rather interesting and educational. I found some parts of it superfluous. Not that they weren't good chapters, but they seemed to be misplaced in this book.
If you want to learn about how language and agriculture helped separate us from the pack, and how our propensity to murder and destroy our environment hold us back, then you'll be quite satisfied. There is a good deal about primate sex too....so if that interests you :P
mnicholson's review
5.0
In a way this was more enjoyable than "Guns, Germs, and Steel" because it was an easier read. There is considerable overlap between the two books, so don't read them at the same time or in close proximity, like I did. You'll feel like you're listening to a broken record at times. This book was written over 20 years ago, so it was interesting to note how science has advanced so quickly.
plantbirdwoman's review against another edition
3.0
I am a fan of Jared Diamond's writing and world-view and having read his other books, "Collapse" and "Guns, Germs, and Steel," both of which are more of a cultural critique and history of the human race, I was interested to see what he would make of the biological history of the race. Humans are the third chimpanzee and Diamond draws conclusions from the similarities and differences among the three living races of chimpanzees. I found it an interesting read, although I don't rate it as highly as the other two books I had read.
scott_gunpowderfictionplot's review
5.0
This was so interesting and educational, highly recommend it if you have an interest in society, language, evolution, conservation, nature, and a variety of other things.
darshbakshi's review
3.0
A good read especially considering it was his first book and that this was published 20 years ago. But the book firstly lacks a coherent structure with the ideas flying off here and there. Secondly the way he builds up his arguments and analogies seems flawed. Some chapters are very well written and explained while others seems dead wood.
lewcharl's review
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
This is an interesting read though some of his ideas are a little out there or outdated by recent scientific studies.
cetian's review
5.0
The title sums up the provocative proposal that Jared Diamond advances in this book. Why think of humans in any other way than as another chimpanzee? The argument is very well presented - the evidence for the classification of our species in the same branch of the common chimpanzee and the bonobo. What this allows is too escape the trap (we are usually in) of human exceptionalism and, instead, look at our species with some degree of sobriety and equanimity.
The author goes on a brave attempt to investigate the history of our species and our potential for future survival. This is an interesting exercize. We are, so far, the only species we know that is self-aware. But we frequently are unable to do these exercizes where we include ourselves in the planet's tree of life. This book is not an heretic gratuitous provocation, using a device just for shock value or to get media attention and sell more. It is a serious effort to restore humanity to its most precious place: nature. And by that effort, to give us a better perspective of where we are and where our future might take us.
The author goes on a brave attempt to investigate the history of our species and our potential for future survival. This is an interesting exercize. We are, so far, the only species we know that is self-aware. But we frequently are unable to do these exercizes where we include ourselves in the planet's tree of life. This book is not an heretic gratuitous provocation, using a device just for shock value or to get media attention and sell more. It is a serious effort to restore humanity to its most precious place: nature. And by that effort, to give us a better perspective of where we are and where our future might take us.
bsmashers's review
4.0
An important environmental perspective of our species. It reminded me a lot of Collapse and Guns, Germs and Steel. I hope as a species we can learn from our past and reign in our destructive powers to prevent our demise.
davidr's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful book by a great author. In fact, I prefer this book to the other books that I've read by Jared Diamond. It is entertaining, informative, and every page is interesting. The book covers a vast range of topics, such as how are humans qualitatively different from other animals, why do men do stupid things to impress women, why do people practice adultery, why do humans practice genocide, how did languages evolve, why do some people become addicted to drugs, why do humans produce art, and why do humans age. The book ends with the ecological harm humans have done to the planet (not just recently, but in ancient times as well), and the extinctions of species that we cause. Diamond shows how none of these activities are unique to humans; each activity has some analog in animal behavior, as well.
Like Diamond's other books, there is plenty of speculation here. He makes sweeping generalizations that are not always held up by documented facts. But Diamond's enthusiasm rings loud and clear, and his speculations always sound reasonable, at least to me.
Like Diamond's other books, there is plenty of speculation here. He makes sweeping generalizations that are not always held up by documented facts. But Diamond's enthusiasm rings loud and clear, and his speculations always sound reasonable, at least to me.