Exploring what makes humans uniquely intelligent and how that sets us apart from animals, this book examines the mind, language, morality, religion, and the progress of both individuals and civilizations.
It builds a case for the immaterial nature of consciousness and outlines the signs of human distinction across cultures and ages.
The work frames a method for understanding humanity by tracing intellectual and spiritual faculties to their objects and actions. It discusses how language, morality, and religious feeling emerge, and why humans show a capacity for growth and mastery of the natural world.
- How consciousness and abstraction separate humans from animals
- The role of language as a mirror and driver of thought
- Universal moral instincts and the persistence of religious impulse
- Evidence of progress in civilizations and the challenges of primitive life
Ideal for readers curious about the origins of human thought and the long arc of civilization, this edition suits those seeking a classical, scholarly perspective on what makes us human.