The intellectual life of the 19th century was more complex than that of previous centuries. The world grew larger, and more countries contributed to culture. Science moved forward with new discoveries. Technology changed the social structure and imbued man with new powers over his environment. Political and philosophical movements challenged the beliefs and institutions that … Read more
“Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies” is a seminal work by Jared Diamond published in 1997. The book seeks to explain why Eurasian civilizations, as a whole, have survived and conquered others, while arguing against the idea that Eurasian hegemony is due to any form of Eurasian intellectual, moral, or inherent genetic … Read more
This chapter is about the differences between men and women. Men are better at spatial tasks than women. Spatial skills and polygamy go together in several species. Female bodies evolved to bear and rear children. Men’s bodies evolved to suit the demands of rising in the male hierarchy, fighting over women and providing meat for … Read more
Consistent monogamy, not polygamy sets humans apart from mammals (including apes). Of the four apes (gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees) only gibbons are monogamous. Although men are polygamous opportunists at heart, afraid of commitment, they are interested in finding wives whom to rear families with. Sperm competition theory emerged after it was discovered that some … Read more
“The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals” is a compelling book by Michael Pollan that delves into the question of what we should have for dinner. Published in 2006, the book explores the realities of the modern food industry and its impact on our health, environment, and society. Pollan organizes the book into … Read more
The Incas had strict rules for who would be able to mate with their women. They organized these rights according to a hierarchy, and any man who violated these rules would be put to his death, along with his family. Most of the Incas were descendants of powerful men. Human beings are a product of … Read more
What is wrong with political correctness? Answer: Hegel said it best. The Hegelian dialectic comprises three dialectical stages of development: a thesis, giving rise to its reaction; an antithesis, which contradicts or negates the thesis; and the tension between the two being resolved by means of a synthesis. In more simplistic terms, one can consider it thus: problem … Read more
Before discussing Kant’s philosophy, Russell gives an overview of 18th century philosophy. British empiricists like Hume and Berkeley dominated philosophy in that century. But there was a conflict in these men, between their temper of mind and the tendency of their doctrines. They were socially minded, urbane and friendly. But their theoretical philosophy led to … Read more
This chapter asks: why does sex exist? why aren’t there more efficient ways to procreate? The most obvious reason to borrow genes is because you can benefit from the ingenuity of others as well as yourself. Matt Ridley, The Red Queen Sex invites mutations. A giraffe’s ancestor invented a longer neck, while another invented longer … Read more
Rousseau’s first literary success came to him rather late in life. The Academy of Dijon offered a prize for the best essay on the question: Have the arts and sciences conferred benefits on mankind? The First Essay Rousseau maintained the negative and won the prize (1750). He argued that science, letters, and the arts are the worst … Read more