Williamb

What it's like to be sentient

Revisado: 11-18-23

Humphrey has taken pain to make the case for what constitutes sentience, why and to some extent, how it exists. Having read many books on this and related topics, I judge that he has aligned the nail squarely with the hammer and struck. Citing several current and recent philosophers and scientists, Humphrey has raised the solid points of their work and exposed the weaker ones. In very readable /listenable style, he explains the case for what sentience is, why it likely evolved, how it might be detected, where in the evolutionary tree it seems to be present. Do read /listen to this book. You will see this topic more clearly because you did.

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Excellent trip of reason to understand what is lif

Revisado: 06-27-21

Scrupulously reasoned. This knitting together of the ancient to the most modern of experimental and peer reviewed facts leads us to a reliable understanding of the how of life. Very well written and very well read.

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Deeply Moving

Revisado: 01-08-21

With this work I feel like I've met the author, even know the author, certainly relate with the author. I've always loved Beethoven, especially the sonatas. Many performances have given me glimpses. I've been aware of the fact that they were merely glimpses. With these included musical performance, I feel that I've "seen" more of Beethoven and of Jonathan. Truly inspirational. Thank you so much for talking with us, and thank you for your sharing of your understanding of Beethoven. You have changed my perspective.

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Essential for understanding higher order evolution

Revisado: 12-15-20

This meticulously connected, solidly reasoned presentation of the theory that human evolution, and to a much lesser sense some other species, is shaped by cultural interaction. This fills in some gaps in explanation of human evolution specifics that have been taken on faith. For example, larger brains/heads lead to lower birth rate and do not add specific survival skills. Slower maturation of human young lead to greater vulnerability and increased burden on family. Adding a cultural learning environment over time this large brain does add a great deal to survival of the individual and the species. Long maturation is reinforced by leader/parental learning with social integration for much greater productivity of the group. Henrich covers a lot of ground with numerous of examples, much research, personal observation and field experience. It is impressive that he can see the forest and the trees so clearly and communicate the vision so well.

I recommend listening to chapter 17 first and last. While Henrich puts the pieces together very detailed chains of reason, backed by a great deal of well accepted scientific studies, the details are many. Reviewing the summary at the end will help pull together the pieces over the 17 hours of listening.

Although the narrator mispronounced a small number of words (eg. familial) the narration was still excellent. Very well paced and clearly understandable. This material would be extremely valuable to all sociology, anthropology, psychology students. Very applicable.

Perhaps the biggest statement in this book is the idea that humans/ homo sapiens are a transition species. This is a very exciting place to be. Proof of this theory will take some time :) but seems likely, especially in light of this explanation.

I thoroughly enjoyed this work and look forward to "The WEIRDest People in the World".

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Very thorough treatment - well reasoned

Revisado: 11-17-20

Longtime listener of the Science Salon podcast, I almost feel like Michael Shermer is an old friend, certainly a familiar voice. Here, he very systematically and thoroughly develops the argument for how a "Believing Brain" leads us humans to attempt to substantiate those beliefs, too often wrongly. As others, such as Karl Popper have said, humans develop beliefs or theories, if you like, then defend them. To use sound and reasonable judgement to defend or fail to defend those beliefs leads to progress. Unfortunately, we are very susceptible to failures to reason soundly. This leads to getting stuck in beliefs that must be defended with false premises or other fallacies. I recommend Shermer's Believing Brain for all who want to better understand false beliefs and how we get stuck in them.
The genre of this book could be Psychology, Philosophy, and Self Help.

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Best Book about the Brain

Revisado: 08-05-20

If you want to better understand what is going on under your hat, read this book. Read it first or read it last, you'll see that the science of brain study is summarized here. In the context of constructing emotions, Barrett shows us more of how the brain works than others who have tried. This makes sense.

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Ayoade is funny

Revisado: 04-14-20

This is the most original comedy I've heard since comedy was invented. While I wasn't there when comedy was invented I feel that I have the assumed authority to make the claim because I've read (other) books about early humans and their humorous escapades. There is plenty of evidence that humorous escapades were indeed quite funny. Tipping sleeping dinosaurs and putting fire ants under the loin cloths just doesn't hold a candle, or oily torch to this tome of terrific titulation. Honestly, I don't know where he gets his seemingly unending ideas for astute, pithy and yet deeply disturbing observations. He may be from another planet. I'm just glad that he took the time to not only write this entertaining book but to read it in a most appropriate way.
Thank you Ayoade. I haven't laughed this much in years. Hope your other readers enjoy it as much as I did. 🎈

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Insightful voyage with marie

Revisado: 12-10-19

I laughed, I cried, I cheered. I reflected. Very nicely done. The great mind, admired and respected, brought to life (half life) with excellent performances. Great characterization. Excellent pathos. Plot exposition accelerates toward the end. This could have been longer. Wish it was.

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Innovative Perspective

Revisado: 09-05-19

This perspective comes from a literary angle with science as the background. While I didn't' find every interpretation as valid as most, this inventive way to look at scientific understanding from non scientist or lay scientist description is inspiring. How we see science when we lack the details of the yet undiscovered truths comes together in retrospect. I really enjoyed this book.

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Great true story

Revisado: 09-05-19

This is a real insight into the process and innovation that became a voyage to the moon. Very human perspective. The material seems a little stretched to fill more time, but the writing and performance are so good that it is worth the time. I loved the quotes from contemporaries and current NASA engineers.

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