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The Story of the Human Body

Evolution, Health, and Disease

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The Story of the Human Body

Written by: Daniel E. Lieberman
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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About this listen

In this landmark book of popular science, Daniel E. Lieberman - chair of the department of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and a leader in the field - gives us a lucid and engaging account of how the human body evolved over millions of years, even as it shows how the increasing disparity between the jumble of adaptations in our Stone Age bodies and advancements in the modern world is occasioning this paradox: greater longevity but increased chronic disease.

The Story of the Human Body brilliantly illuminates as never before the major transformations that contributed key adaptations to the body: the rise of bipedalism; the shift to a non-fruit-based diet; the advent of hunting and gathering, leading to our superlative endurance athleticism; the development of a very large brain; and the incipience of cultural proficiencies. Lieberman also elucidates how cultural evolution differs from biological evolution, and how our bodies were further transformed during the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions.

While these ongoing changes have brought about many benefits, they have also created conditions to which our bodies are not entirely adapted, Lieberman argues, resulting in the growing incidence of obesity and new but avoidable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Lieberman proposes that many of these chronic illnesses persist and in some cases are intensifying because of "dysevolution," a pernicious dynamic whereby only the symptoms rather than the causes of these maladies are treated. And finally - provocatively - he advocates the use of evolutionary information to help nudge, push, and sometimes even compel us to create a more salubrious environment.

©2013 Daniel Lieberman (P)2013 Random House Audio
Biological Sciences Diets, Nutrition & Healthy Eating Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Physical Illness & Disease Science Evolutionary Biology Human Biology

Critic Reviews

"No one understands the human body like Daniel Lieberman or tells its story more eloquently. He's found a tale inside our skin that's riveting, enlightening, and more than a little frightening." (Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run)
"Monumental: The Story of the Human Body, by one of our leading experts, takes us on an epic voyage that reveals how the past six million years shaped every part of us - our heads, limbs, and even our metabolism. Through Lieberman's eyes, evolutionary history not only comes alive, it becomes the means to understand, and ultimately influence, our body's future." (Neil Shubin, author of Your Inner Fish)
"A lucid, engaging account of how the human body evolved and the increasing disparity between the jumble of adaptations in our Stone Age bodies and the modern world." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Story of the Human Body

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A Timeless Tale of Our Evolving Bodies

Daniel Lieberman's The Story of the Human Body is a captivating exploration of our species' evolutionary journey. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate interplay between our biology and our environment, shedding light on why our bodies are the way they are.

Lieberman's clear and concise writing style makes complex scientific concepts accessible to a wide audience. He skilfully weaves together evidence from anthropology, paleontology, genetics, and physiology to paint a vivid picture of our ancestors and their adaptations.

What truly sets this book apart is its practical implications. By understanding our evolutionary history, we can make informed decisions about our health and well-being. Lieberman advocates for a more holistic approach to healthcare, one that takes into account our evolutionary heritage. This evolutionary perspective offers a sustainable and scientifically sound way to address modern health challenges.

Whether you're a seasoned science enthusiast or simply curious about the human body, The Story of the Human Body is a must-read. It's a timeless tale that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the incredible journey of our species.

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An informative book on evolution and preventable diseases

I thoroughly enjoyed the information about selective evolution and how farming and industrialisation have caused preventable diseases.
Bonus for Star Trek fans: The narrator Mr Sean Runnette sounds like Data from TNG so I had a nice time imaging Data telling me parts of human evolution 🙂

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we must cultivate our bodies

superb diction and cadence added to the intriguing subjec of why we fall I'll and what best can be done about it, makes this audible a must for every one

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loved this.

A great guide to our health. worth reading. after reading this I have become more aware of my body and have started making better choices.

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Brilliant book

brilliantly puts evolutionary logic behind today's health woes. loved it. thanks
well narrated and storyline is perfect as well

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Excellent book

Love the clarity, depth and the narration.
Great book to listen to.
Lots of interesting advice.

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