Quest

Beschreibung

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.
An intriguing work of history, philosophy, and popular science that explores the human desire to quest. Scientists continually look for the genetic factors that make humans so very different in appearance and behaviour from most animals -- the genes that are uniquely human. Respected biochemist and author Charles Pasternak argues that such genes do not exist. Instead, he suggests that it is our desire to quest - for food and shelter, for knowledge, for wealth, for adventure - coupled with our unique physical abilities to do so that have controlled our evolution and have led humans to develop away from closely related animals. In this intriguing work of history, philosophy, and popular science, Pasternak uses his extensive biological knowledge to discuss man's nature and achievements, his genetic makeup, and his evolution. Charles A.Pasternak, is an eminent international biochemist and Director and founder of the Oxford International Biomedical Centre. He comes from a family of highly talented individuals: nephew of Boris Pasternak (author of Dr Zhivago), father of Anna Pasternak (writer), grandson of Leonid Pasternak (Impressionalist painter) and son of Josephine Pasternak (philosopher). He is the author of a number of works and has recently turned his attention to communicating scientific subjects to a broader readership.

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Charles Pasternak

Themen in »Quest«

Anthropologie Biowissenschaften Evolution Geschichte History Life Sciences Weltgeschichte World History

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".I can recommend Quest: The Essence of Humanity.one of the most thought-provoking books to come my way for some time." (The Sunday Telegraph., 20 July 2003) ".fluent, fast-moving.Quest is controversial.which all ambitious works like this one should be." (New Scientist, 23 August 2003) ".I really enjoyed this book.What impressed me throughout was Parsternak's use of science." (M2 Best Books, 7 December 2003)
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".I can recommend Quest: The Essence of Humanity.one of the most thought-provoking books to come my way for some time." (The Sunday Telegraph., 20 July 2003) ".fluent, fast-moving.Quest is controversial.which all ambitious works like this one should be." (New Scientist, 23 August 2003) ".This goal seems rather grandiose. But Pasternak succeeds, and in doing so provides a profusion of facts and good science." (Times Literary Supplement, 7 November 2003) ".I really enjoyed this book.What impressed me throughout was Parsternak's use of science." (M2 Best Books, 7 December 2003)
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