The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

I'll just say it, this is a great book. As you'd expect, Carl opens his mind to the reader and his infectious enthusiasm hits you almost straight away. For the lay person, such as myself, there was a bit of (admittedly basic) mathematics which I struggled with for a bit, but it is by no means difficult for somebody who isn't as inept as me. Just be prepared for the possibility of investing a bit of brain power into the analysis of some numbers and equations (something I found surprisingly rewarding!) All in all, Carl's speculations on the evolution of human intelligence are as interesting as one would expect, and the book is filled to the brim with his wit, intelligence, love and above all charm that makes his explanations of science so seductive and beautiful. Even though this book is now out of print, if you can get your hands on a copy, I would say that you are unlikely to regret doing so.

Se ti piace la scrittura di Carl Sagan e/o in generale la scienza, questo libro non può mancare nella tua libreria. Consigliato

En este libro Carl Sgana, nos da una guía de como funciona nuestra mente, ayudandosnos a sacra ventaja de este conocimiento, de la misma forma nos hace ver las diferencias que hay con las especies que habitán en el planeta

I feel this is a superb book - Dr. Sagan fills in a lot of gaps and brings various post 1970 works into focus. Still relevant and we are only now seeing some of his insights coming to light! Bridging the disciplines of biology, evolutionary developents, animal psychology and more, this book fills the gaps and suggests some intrigruing possibilities on how humans became the species they are, and more! IMO, I suggest getting and reading his other book: "A Demon-Haunted World..." first as these two together have some very valuble insights into where we came from, how we are, and where we're headed, even before the advent of the internet, which can be extended by inferrence. Highly recommended reading from one of the 20th century's few true "renaissance" men! Easy reading too for the most part.

This book is a joy. The joy of finding out that I'm not a special creature custom-made by the almighty. And who else could offer such insight more reassuringly than Carl Sagan! This is a Pulitzer winner and deservedly. You could read it as an instruction manual as well as a brief developmental history of the gray treasure between your ears. This little book is as charming and fascinating as the human intelligence itself. "How can I persuade every intelligent person to read this important and elegant book?"