Hope for Animals and Their World: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink
by Jane Goodall, with Thane Maynard and Gail Hudson. Grand Central Publishing, 2009

Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives
by Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler. Little, Brown, 2009

EXHIBITS
The Nature of Diamonds
October 23, 2009–March 28, 2010, at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Darwin Center
This permanent science and collections facility opens September 15, 2009, at the Natural History Museum in London.

Note: This article was originally printed with the title, "Recommended."

3 Comments

1. 1. Bill Case 10:58 AM 10/2/09

   In grade school (60 years ago) I remember the teacher asking what the main difference was between animals and man. I remember that question because I was so young and it was probably the first philosophical question I had ever been asked.
   
   Her answer was "man is the most flexible and adaptable animal in the world". This article brings that answer to mind. In response to Frans de Waal's assertion What we need is a complete overhaul of assumptions about human nature. Too many economists and politicians model human society on the perpetual struggle they believe exists in nature, but which is a mere projection." I would say "Man is and can be both".
   
   The progress we have made over the last 12,000 years is the result of being both.

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this

2. 2. Bill Case 11:48 AM 10/2/09

   I wish SA would have a way to let us edit our own submissions! At the risk of repetition, let me re-write my original post.
   --------------
   In grade school (60 years ago) I remember the teacher asking what the main difference was between animals and man. I remember that particular question because I was so young. And, it was probably the first philosophical question I had ever been asked.
   
   Her answer was "man is the most flexible and adaptable animal in the world". This article brings that answer to mind.
   
   In response to Frans de Waal's assertion "What we need is a complete overhaul of assumptions about human nature. Too many economists and politicians model human society on the perpetual struggle they believe exists in nature, but which is a mere projection." I would say "Man has always been, is and will be, both".
   
   The progress we have made over the last 12,000 years is the result of being both cooperative and competitive. I might add, it is also the result of being competitively cooperative and cooperatively competitive.
   
   Intra group competition (competitively cooperative or competition by members within the group) is what athletics, architecture and politics is about. Extra group competition (cooperatively competitive or competing with other groups) is what war, international trade and team sports are about.

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this

3. 3. mo98 08:27 AM 10/3/09

   A poster comes to mind: "Forget the dog, beware of owner!"

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this