Human: The Science Behind What Makes Your Brain Unique Human arrogance – Ty – USA
Let me say that my review is quite biased. I’m not offering an opinion (wouldn’t be qualified anyway) on the quality of the scientific information presented, nor even on the author’s ability to present it – even though I picked it up because I do have an interest in the subject. I give the book one star only for the self-absorbed reason that I was so immediately turned off by the author’s attitude that I decided rather quickly not to continue reading it.
Gazzaniga is very open about his own bias in his prologue: “I love our species, and always have. I have never found it necessary to lessen our success and domination of this universe.” OK. Fair enough, and certainly helpful to the reader for the author to state his perspective so plainly. But unfortunately, for this reader at least, he’s a little too consumed with his own supeirity over his subjects. From chapter 2:
“There isn’t a human being on earth who does not look at his or her dog or cat … without an irrational reverence and fondness.”
Irrational fondness? Does he really mean that? Indeed he does. “Our species has had a hard time drawing the line between us and them.” Even the author, he has to admit, suffers this irrationality on occasion:
“I have carried out extensive animal primate research. … The research frequently required carrying out major neurosurgical procedures, and in some instances, major efforts were necessary for their postoperative care. I found each one taxing and troubling.”
Taxing and troubling. Poor man. Even he, a man of science, is susceptible to these irrational feelings of empathy. How silly of him to feel “pity” for a fellow primate – a completely healthy and innocent individual – that he has just performed brain surgery on for the purpose of furthering human knowledge. How misplaced that pity – how childish and impractical! Better wipe away those feelings lest we start finding it necessary to question our state of domination. But he can snap himself out of it. After all, the author jokes, “would I want to spend a lot of time with a chimp?”
I didn’t read any further.
:
What happened along the evolutionary trail that made humans so unique? In his accessible style, Michael Gazzaniga pinpoints the change that made us thinking, sentient humans different from our predecessors. He explores what makes human brains special, the importance of language and art in defining the human condition, the nature of human consciousness, and even artificial intelligence.
Continue Reading
Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress Sealy:EM438-COL1 Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress The Sealy Baby Ultra Rest Mattress is a phenomenal crib mattress. It is one of the most comfortable models of baby crib mattress around. The Sealy crib mattress includes 204 heavy gauge interlocking steel coils which are heat tempered for strength and durability. The crib mattress also includes all around border rods which keep sides, corners and edges firm. It is just like an adult mattress in that sense. The steel vertical support bars help distribute baby’s weight evenly over the entire crib mattress surface. A non-allergenic layer provides comfort for an extremely plush, gentle sleeping surface. The Sealy crib mattress fits most cribs and toddler bed frames. It also includes a 15 year warranty. 
