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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.

(With charts and line drawings throughout.) Biological Sciences Diets, Nutrition & Healthy Eating Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Physical Illness & Disease Science Evolutionary Biology Human Biology
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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.

loved this.

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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

we must cultivate our bodies

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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.

A Timeless Tale of Our Evolving Bodies

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

Brilliant book

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

Excellent book

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