Who We Are and How We Got Here
Who We Are and How We Got Here
David Reich
Naval Ravikant
Naval Ravikant tweeted about this book.
Nassim Taleb
Finally, science enters historical fields. - Nassim Taleb
Michael Mauboussin
[One of] my favorite science books in 2018. - Michael Mauboussin
Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen recommended this book on Twitter.
Balaji Srinivasan
The brief argument is: our true history is written in our genes. - Balaji Srinivasan
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5
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Who We Are and How We Got Here

Who We Are and How We Got Here: Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past

David Reich
By
David Reich
4.1
780
ratings on Goodreads

In "Who We Are and How We Got Here," David Reich embarks on a fascinating journey through the corridors of human history, illuminated by the groundbreaking advances in the field of genomics. This compelling narrative transcends traditional disciplines, weaving together insights from archaeology, linguistics, and ancient texts with the latest genomic research to unravel the complex tapestry of human evolution. Reich's exploration reveals not just the genetic instructions that fashion a human being but also the previously untold stories of our species' migrations, adaptations, and interactions. With a storyteller's flair, he guides us through the profound implications of these discoveries, challenging our understanding of identity, heritage, and our place in the natural world. At the heart of Reich's narrative is a revolutionary proposition: the human genome holds not just the key to our individual development but also the secrets of our collective pasts. As he delves into the DNA of ancient bones and living populations, Reich uncovers startling truths about the inequalities that have historically divided us—between populations, sexes, and individuals. Yet, he navigates these contentious waters with a careful balance, suggesting that while our genetic differences are real, they often defy and complicate our conventional stereotypes. "Who We Are and How We Got Here" is not just a book about genes; it's a profound inquiry into what it means to be human, challenging readers to confront the myths of their ancestry and to embrace the rich diversity that genetics reveals.

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Released
2018
27 Mar
Length
335
Pages

5

recommendations

recommendation

The brief argument is: our true history is written in our genes. - Balaji Srinivasan
[One of] my favorite science books in 2018. - Michael Mauboussin
Finally, science enters historical fields. - Nassim Taleb
Marc Andreessen recommended this book on Twitter.
Naval Ravikant tweeted about this book.
There was never a single trunk population in the human past. It has been mixtures all the way down.
— David Reich, Who We Are and How We Got Here

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