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A review by princesspersephone
The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease by Daniel E. Lieberman
5.0
This is hands down one of the best books I have EVER read.
It was first recommended to me by a highly respected individual in the fitness industry who owns and runs his own spine clinic as well as teaches science based fitness workshops across the country. Unexpectedly my "Genetic and Evolutionary Principles of Health" class had it as assigned reading (for obvious reasons) and not only did I get to finally read this amazing book, but also participate in in-depth discussions about the ideas presented.
Daniel Lieberman is a master at coherently guiding the readers through this sometimes dense material. The beginning focuses on what evolution is and how evolution has influenced the development of our species. It takes a more anthropological view at first, going through our ancient ancestors and why certain adaptations were naturally selected for (the answer is almost always 'Climate Change'). From there he talks about both the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution and how that has changes the way evolution impacts our bodies, lives and communities. Lastly, he takes a more medical approach talking about our modern society and the "mismatch diseases" that have arises due to our poorly adapted bodies in these rapidly changing environments.
From back pain, plantar fasciitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, allergies, running injuries, osteoporosis, obesity, and more...he talks about it all! I have been eager to find a book to recommend to my personal training clients so they can understand their bodies and the dysfunction that arises because of their modern behavior, and this hit the nail on the head. He literally pulled the words right out of my mouth and I often found myself reading later chapters and thinking "Thats exactly what I was telling so and so last week!!". He is no alarmist with how we as a society approach our "mismatch diseases". Instead he explains the science behind it all in easy to follow sections. He gives just enough information for you to understand the complexity of the interactions, but holds off on enough scientific jargon that the average reader would easily find their way through. Only the last chapter is dedicated to the "Okay, so now what?" feeling most people have about our current healthcare environment. Even there he presents rational arguments and predicts your line of reasoning to help guide you to his primary message. That we as a society need to start thinking of our healthcare, governments, communities, and personal habits from an evolutionary perspective.
It was first recommended to me by a highly respected individual in the fitness industry who owns and runs his own spine clinic as well as teaches science based fitness workshops across the country. Unexpectedly my "Genetic and Evolutionary Principles of Health" class had it as assigned reading (for obvious reasons) and not only did I get to finally read this amazing book, but also participate in in-depth discussions about the ideas presented.
Daniel Lieberman is a master at coherently guiding the readers through this sometimes dense material. The beginning focuses on what evolution is and how evolution has influenced the development of our species. It takes a more anthropological view at first, going through our ancient ancestors and why certain adaptations were naturally selected for (the answer is almost always 'Climate Change'). From there he talks about both the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution and how that has changes the way evolution impacts our bodies, lives and communities. Lastly, he takes a more medical approach talking about our modern society and the "mismatch diseases" that have arises due to our poorly adapted bodies in these rapidly changing environments.
From back pain, plantar fasciitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, allergies, running injuries, osteoporosis, obesity, and more...he talks about it all! I have been eager to find a book to recommend to my personal training clients so they can understand their bodies and the dysfunction that arises because of their modern behavior, and this hit the nail on the head. He literally pulled the words right out of my mouth and I often found myself reading later chapters and thinking "Thats exactly what I was telling so and so last week!!". He is no alarmist with how we as a society approach our "mismatch diseases". Instead he explains the science behind it all in easy to follow sections. He gives just enough information for you to understand the complexity of the interactions, but holds off on enough scientific jargon that the average reader would easily find their way through. Only the last chapter is dedicated to the "Okay, so now what?" feeling most people have about our current healthcare environment. Even there he presents rational arguments and predicts your line of reasoning to help guide you to his primary message. That we as a society need to start thinking of our healthcare, governments, communities, and personal habits from an evolutionary perspective.