What Do You Think You Are?
The Science of What Makes You You
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Icon Books
Published:7th Jan '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£10.99(9781785786266)
This book offers an insightful exploration of human identity, tracing the origins of our biological and genetic makeup. What Do You Think You Are? delves into what makes us unique.
In What Do You Think You Are?, popular science author Brian Clegg takes readers on an engaging journey through the intricate science behind human identity. This enlightening book delves into the fundamental components that make each individual unique, from the atomic structures to the complexities of genetics and personality. Clegg's accessible writing style makes complex concepts relatable, allowing readers to grasp the science that shapes their very existence.
The narrative begins with the contemporary reader, tracing the origins of the atoms that compose their body and exploring how these particles have traveled through time and space to form the individual they are today. Clegg examines the sources of the food we consume and how our living cells have evolved over millions of years. This exploration not only highlights the biological aspects but also dives into the rich tapestry of human evolution, revealing the shared history that connects us all.
As the book unfolds, readers learn about the origins of consciousness and the remarkable development of the human brain. Clegg also addresses the significance of personal genetic history, offering insights into how understanding our DNA can illuminate aspects of our identity. What Do You Think You Are? is not just a scientific exploration; it is a celebration of what it means to be human, encouraging readers to reflect on their own unique place in the universe.
What's great about the book overall is both Clegg's gift as a storyteller - it's just an excellent, pageturning read - and the way he threads together so many revelations about us as humans, the sort of thing that you want to share with someone else. * popularscience.co.uk *
The most interesting part is when the book explores what consciousness is (or, rather, highlights how little we know about it but still shows how much more there is to "us" than the conscious part) and pulls apart the old nature versus nurture debate with some remarkable material on genetics and how the influence of our environment is mathematically chaotic. * Peet Morris, Times Higher Education *
ISBN: 9781785786600
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 19mm
Weight: 223g
256 pages