Quest: The Essence of Humanity - Hardcover

Pasternak, Charles

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470851449 ISBN 13: 9780470851449

Publisher: Wiley, 2003

Synopsis

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.

About this title

From the Back Cover

From Homer to Star Wars humans have been driven by quest. Ever since man first walked he has sought for food and shelter, for knowledge, for wealth, and adventure. It has been the driving force behind human development, the inspiration for exploration, for discovery and for the development of great civilisations. It is in man’s very nature to seek, not just for basic needs or personal comfort, but also beyond his own requirements or those of his generation - to climb mountains because they are there, to study and experiment for the sake of knowledge, and to voyage to the moon and beyond.

In this epic work Charles Pasternak traces life on earth from the most primitive cells, through ancient civilizations and the great artists, scientists, writers and explorers of the past, to the genetic engineers of today. In a thought-provoking view of the history of mankind he argues that it is not any single genetic difference, but a combination of very subtle changes that has enabled man to exercise a greater propensity for quest. It is this that has led to our domination over other species.

Conversely, he argues that a weakening in the exercise of this basic instinct among the western nations will lead to a decline in their influence, relative to that of eastern populations such as those of China and India, south east Asia and Japan.

From the Inside Flap

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0470851449
• ISBN 13: 9780470851449
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 448