62 pages • 2 hours read
Daniel LiebermanThe Story of the Human Body
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Story of the Human Body, Daniel E. Lieberman, a Harvard University professor and paleoanthropologist, examines how evolutionary biology impacts modern health issues, particularly focusing on mismatch diseases—ailments resulting from discrepancies between our biological evolution and current cultural environments. He argues that the rapid pace of cultural evolution has outstripped biological adaptation, leading to prevalent, preventable health problems. Lieberman emphasizes that altering our cultural practices can mitigate these diseases, offering practical solutions for improved health.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Daniel Lieberman's The Story of the Human Body is lauded for its comprehensive exploration of human evolution, effectively connecting past adaptations with present health issues. Readers appreciate its accessible writing and insightful context on modern ailments. However, some find the book overly detailed and dense in scientific jargon, which may not suit casual readers.
Who Should Read The Story of the Human Body?
Readers who enjoy The Story of the Human Body by Daniel Lieberman typically have a keen interest in anthropology, human evolution, and health sciences. Similar to fans of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari and Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, they appreciate explorations of how evolutionary history shapes modern human health.