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Who We Are and How We Got Here

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Who We Are and How We Got Here

By: David Reich
Narrated by: John Lescault
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Summary

A groundbreaking book about how ancient DNA has profoundly changed our understanding of human history

Geneticists like David Reich have made astounding advances in the field of genomics, which is proving to be as important as archaeology, linguistics, and written records as a means to understand our ancestry.

In Who We Are and How We Got Here, Reich allows listeners to discover how the human genome provides not only all the information a human embryo needs to develop but also the hidden story of our species. Reich delves into how the genomic revolution is transforming our understanding of modern humans and how DNA studies reveal deep inequalities among different populations, between the sexes, and among individuals. Provocatively, Reich's book suggests that there might very well be biological differences among human populations but that these differences are unlikely to conform to common stereotypes.

Drawing upon revolutionary findings and unparalleled scientific studies, Who We Are and How We Got Here is a captivating glimpse into humankind - where we came from and what that says about our lives today.

A New York Times best-seller in Science Books. A #1 Amazon.com bestseller in the Biochemistry List.

©2018 David Reich (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Anthropology Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics Genetics Science Social Sciences Africa Ancient History Social justice
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Fascinating discoveries, got me even more interested in ancient DNA, but the structure/storytelling could be improved. The narrator did not help either

Fascinating discoveries

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authentic ! written with humility and social responsibility. narrated beautifully. have made me want to read it due to the density of information

compelling listen

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This is a detailed summary of the latest science (c. 2018) on population genetics and in particular what this tells us about the mixing and movements of different populations over the last 50,000 years.
It tells a fascinating if complex and sometimes tentative story that shows how previous assumptions (for example on mixing between modern humans and Neanderthals) have repeatedly been overturned by the hard science of genetics.
There is also a very interesting chapter in which Reich clearly demonstrates the falsity of the assertion that there are no significant differences between populations.
A compelling account that shows how we have learned- and have yet to learn from this new science. Highly recommended.

An excellent summary of the latest science on population genetics.

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I felt this was well written, referenced and presented. I listened mainly on my daily commute and at times longed to understand better as I was distracted by traffic. Consequently I couldn’t say how many out of Africa waves there were, if it was even stated, and what happened next. So the title question is still unanswered for me. Perhaps this helped me understand that if you want to know something you need to give it your undivided attention. I particularly liked the last part addressing the sensitivity of DNA testing and the taboo of race and religion. Ultimately we are all here because of the many different paths taken by others we do not know. We are all related and we need to get on better. There is no them and us, just us.

We may never know the answer

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As an archaeologist, my opinion of this book is that it is groundbreaking for thr study of archaeology and the understanding of human evolution, even to the point of changing our understanding - yet again - of British archaeology.

Because it covers a emerging area of scrience which for us archaeologists, is not a natural habitat, it is a struggle to follow, but only because every paragraph seems to contain a new nugget of understanding.

Tom Higham and Dr Alice Roberts have both expressed a concern that the study of the genome is radically changing our understanding of archaeology, but that very few archaeologists understand this emerging discipline...or perhaps want to. To quote the "Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, " What is the point of discussing whether or not God exists, if this thing bleeding well gives you his phone number the next morning"

I get the feeling that this is where some archaeologists maybe heading!!

Ground breaking seminal piece of work

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