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Being Human: Life Lessons from the Frontiers of Science cover art

Being Human: Life Lessons from the Frontiers of Science

By: Robert Sapolsky,The Great Courses
Narrated by: The Great Courses
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Summary

Understanding our humanity - the essence of who we are - is one of the deepest mysteries and biggest challenges in modern science. Why do we have bad moods? Why are we capable of having such strange dreams? How can metaphors in our language hold such sway on our actions?

As we learn more about the mechanisms of human behavior through evolutionary biology, neuroscience, anthropology, and other related fields, we're discovering just how intriguing the human species is. And while scientists are continually uncovering similarities between our behavior and that of other animals, they're also finding insights into everything that makes us unique from any other species.

Join an acclaimed neurobiologist, award-winning teacher, and MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" recipient in a series of 12 invigorating lectures that offer a surprising and undeniably fascinating study of what makes you you, journeying to the front lines of scientific research to gain a new perspective on the quirky nature of being ourselves. Professor Sapolsky explores our humanity by investigating mysterious and sometimes even mundane aspects of human behavior, including bad moods, nostalgia, and dreams, packing the lectures with stories of bold experiments and case studies that illuminate the intricacies of our behavior.

Thought-provoking, witty, and sometimes myth-shattering, this course is sure to have you thinking about and appreciating your life in novel ways.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2012 The Great Courses

What listeners say about Being Human: Life Lessons from the Frontiers of Science

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Life Lessons from the Frontiers of Science

Some extremely insightful examinations on human behaviour, accompanied by wonderfully engaging illustrations leaving you wanting more. Needless to say his narration is fluid and dynamic. Gratz good production.

Presented for audiences on multiple levels of experience, from zero to semi hero!

This guy understands stress on a binary biological level, and explains it seemingly effortlessly.

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7 people found this helpful

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  • sf
  • 22-02-17

Great overview

Have you ever wondered why you do some things?

This short title gives a rather brief introduction to the ideas in biological theory on human behaviour.
I personally found the lecture on intermittent rewards and the effects of 'maybe' on our physiology and psychology to be of great interest.

So if you ever catch yourself wondering why you are engaging in certain behaviours this audiobook may be the first stepping stone to understanding yourself a little better.

👍

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2 people found this helpful

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Fascinating and accessible

I love Dr Sapolsky’s enthusiasm and clarity. It’s a real joy to listen to this course.

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1 person found this helpful

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fascinating and easy to understand

I was particularly impressed with how well the professor communicated the complex subject of psychology and brain biology and made it easy for a non-scientist to understand. I will listen to these lectures again

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1 person found this helpful

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Simply brilliant

Fun facts, tied together into 12 different fascinating stories of what it means (or may not mean) to be human. What's not to like?

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Basic

Probably very good for very young entry level students. Unfortunately very basic for my level of knowledge.

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Robert Sapolsky rocks!

I'm against cloning but in the case of Mr Sapolsky I think an exception should be made and every school in the world should get a copy of him. He could make any story interesting. Next time I want to listen to some lectures I will be browsing not by subject but by lecturers. Sir, if you ever read it, thank you for your effort!

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Interesting and engaging

Never boring. Covers many interesting aspects of human behavior from a scientific perspective. Engaging presentation style.

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Fascinating listen

If you want to learn more about how you tick, listen to these lectures, you won’t be disappointed

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fascinating romp on current research on humanity

lots to absorb and reflect on to apply to our everyday. worthwhile pausing to take notes.

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