Only one chapter relates details of biological evolution up to the end of the last ice age 12,000 years ago, but a later chapter even introduces the theory of panspermia, meaning that life may have developed, not in an earthbound primordial soup, but in space. Other chapters detail the contribution of mathematics, his specialty, to sciences, arts, astronomy and even politics and law a la Francis Fukuyama in The Origins of Political Order. The series apparently aired just before Richard Dawkins The Selfish Gene was published and the chapter on genetics could have benefitted from inclusion of Dawkins’ insights. Dawkins has written a preface for a later edition.
In any all-encompassing work that includes detailed discussion of a huge range of subjects from the viewpoint of one individual, however brilliant, there will be time-limited biases and even mistakes. Some of the landmarks of pre-human evolution do not quite sync with later evidence. Bronowski avoids the Eurocentric biases common in such works, but still makes claims for our uniqueness that are now dubious if not disproven. We are not the only species to use tools, copulate in the missionary position, or experience female orgasm. The last chapter, largely devoted to human brain development lacks the zing and precision of more recent neurological science findings.
One of many insights. “The most powerful drive in the ascent of man is his pleasure in his own skill.”
In this time of social isolation, I am wasting time by dreaming up daily trivia quizzes to share online. This book provides a treasure trove of facts that I plan to use for weeks to stump friends.
I just found this whole series on YouTube, and I am now wasting a few more hours selectively listening to Bronowski. His voice is as I expected but what makes this thrilling is the beautiful videography that accompanies his strolls across various landscapes. It is far better than the stilted photographs in the book. My advice? Don’t bother with the book, but enjoy the videos.
Thanks, Greg.
The Passionate Reader 