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The Meaning(s) of Life: A Human's Guide to the Biology of Souls
What if we could create life from chemicals? What if we could reduce love to molecules, regrow new hearts from skin cells, or regrow new humans from cuttings, like plants? What if we could resurrecting our ancestors, make ourselves immortal, or even grow younger? If these science fiction scenarios give you pause, you are a little behind the news. It's already happening, in labs all over the world. The meaning of life used to be simpler. But it turns out we were wrong about a lot of the details. Some of the things biology has discovered recently still fit the original contours, allowing us to understand how once mysterious life processes actually work, often in surprising and ingenious ways that are more awe inspiring than the miracles they replace. Some of these discoveries render old meanings of life completely incoherent. And some will require us to re-imagine the meaning of life in yet to be determined ways.
244 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2014
8 people are currently reading
3204 people want to read
About the author
M..
1 book13 followersM is also a Goodreads author under his real name, Eric Bush (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...) where he writes fiction (see http://www.Androsia.org). He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 2, 2014
Note: Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy.
This is a science book. It is mainly about biology, and though the title suggests some mysticism or spirituality, it contains nothing more than pure scientific facts. It was perfect for me.
It's a gateway biology book; it opens the inexperienced reader to an entire genre, and it does it well. It's main objective is to get readers to think about the meaning of life in a way different than the usual philosophical method, something done before by authors such as Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins.
The chapters in this book are properly developed, providing the right amount of information to guide the reader, but no so much as to disorient him/her. The progression is thought through brilliantly. The chapters support each other in a manner leading to a holistic understanding of the science. The evolution chapter in particular was excellent, quickly becoming my favorite chapter in the book.
There's not much to criticize about this book,but the occasional mistake in the typing did prove to be somewhat inconvenient, some editing is recommended.
Whether the author did accomplish his objective of enlightening the reader about the meaning of life, I cannot say. But I can say that it was an enjoyable read, which is what we look for in books after all.
Finally, a word about the author. His nom de plume does not reveal much- it is composed of one letter after all- neither does his description. Though a picture is provided, it is only natural to wonder about him and the reason behind the mystery. In the end, however, the book is well-researched (some references would have been nice though) and well-written.
This is a science book. It is mainly about biology, and though the title suggests some mysticism or spirituality, it contains nothing more than pure scientific facts. It was perfect for me.
It's a gateway biology book; it opens the inexperienced reader to an entire genre, and it does it well. It's main objective is to get readers to think about the meaning of life in a way different than the usual philosophical method, something done before by authors such as Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins.
The chapters in this book are properly developed, providing the right amount of information to guide the reader, but no so much as to disorient him/her. The progression is thought through brilliantly. The chapters support each other in a manner leading to a holistic understanding of the science. The evolution chapter in particular was excellent, quickly becoming my favorite chapter in the book.
There's not much to criticize about this book,but the occasional mistake in the typing did prove to be somewhat inconvenient, some editing is recommended.
Whether the author did accomplish his objective of enlightening the reader about the meaning of life, I cannot say. But I can say that it was an enjoyable read, which is what we look for in books after all.
Finally, a word about the author. His nom de plume does not reveal much- it is composed of one letter after all- neither does his description. Though a picture is provided, it is only natural to wonder about him and the reason behind the mystery. In the end, however, the book is well-researched (some references would have been nice though) and well-written.
January 30, 2015
This book was really what I was expecting.
The quest to understand the meaning of life has haunted humanity since the "first" human walked in Africa million years ago.
The Meaning(s) of Life is a book which tries to answer the old age questions regarding what is the meaning(s) of life based on biological perspectives.
Who we are if 75% of our cells are bacteria and 3 million bacterial genes inhabiting us? Moreover, these bacteria have been implicated in the development of neurological and behavioral disorders. They can manipulate our brain, our decision, our consciousness. And you think you still can claim that you can control yourself? At the end, we are just bacteria with brain.
There are still many interesting (yet strange) biological facts that implies to our philosophical views on life. This book is a collection of essays based on those topics, there are some excellent points made to support the authors point of views and beliefs. However, some topics (such as evolution) need more elaboration. Overall, this book is almost like Sagan's Cosmos, enjoyable to read and great way to start to thinking about our existence and its meaning(s).
This is an entertaining, thoughtful, informative, and provocative book at the same time.
The quest to understand the meaning of life has haunted humanity since the "first" human walked in Africa million years ago.
The Meaning(s) of Life is a book which tries to answer the old age questions regarding what is the meaning(s) of life based on biological perspectives.
Who we are if 75% of our cells are bacteria and 3 million bacterial genes inhabiting us? Moreover, these bacteria have been implicated in the development of neurological and behavioral disorders. They can manipulate our brain, our decision, our consciousness. And you think you still can claim that you can control yourself? At the end, we are just bacteria with brain.
There are still many interesting (yet strange) biological facts that implies to our philosophical views on life. This book is a collection of essays based on those topics, there are some excellent points made to support the authors point of views and beliefs. However, some topics (such as evolution) need more elaboration. Overall, this book is almost like Sagan's Cosmos, enjoyable to read and great way to start to thinking about our existence and its meaning(s).
This is an entertaining, thoughtful, informative, and provocative book at the same time.
May 15, 2024
Before I say anything else I'd like to say, Thank you M.. for the book.
I was worried when I was given the book. How awkward would it be if I didn't like it? Luckily, I really loved M's Meaning of life. Before I say anything about the content, the book is really beautiful. It looks stunning on my bookshelf. As an avid e-book reader and a minimalist, I only keep the pretty ones and this book is here to stay.
Other reviewers have stated that the title is a little misleading and I can see why they would say that since it's a book which founds its questions in biology, not so much philosophy. However, as someone with a degree in Zoology with an emphasis on evolution, I would disagree. This book talks about what atheist scientist see as the wonders of the universe. It presents how wonderful the world is without a creator and how fascinating it can be. It's philosophy from the perspective of science. It's a refreshing read and I hope we'll see more of these kinds of books in the future.
Science is often heavy, however M has done a wonderful job making complicated science an easy read, making it personable, funny and not including more than necessary. If I was left to desire anything, it would be references even if it would take away from the aesthetics of the book.
I was worried when I was given the book. How awkward would it be if I didn't like it? Luckily, I really loved M's Meaning of life. Before I say anything about the content, the book is really beautiful. It looks stunning on my bookshelf. As an avid e-book reader and a minimalist, I only keep the pretty ones and this book is here to stay.
Other reviewers have stated that the title is a little misleading and I can see why they would say that since it's a book which founds its questions in biology, not so much philosophy. However, as someone with a degree in Zoology with an emphasis on evolution, I would disagree. This book talks about what atheist scientist see as the wonders of the universe. It presents how wonderful the world is without a creator and how fascinating it can be. It's philosophy from the perspective of science. It's a refreshing read and I hope we'll see more of these kinds of books in the future.
Science is often heavy, however M has done a wonderful job making complicated science an easy read, making it personable, funny and not including more than necessary. If I was left to desire anything, it would be references even if it would take away from the aesthetics of the book.
January 22, 2015
This is a very well written and informative book that covers every aspect of life and the many different meanings this can actually have from a biological point of view (and how this links or clashes with religious/spiritual views). I did expect a more philosophical book but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was applying that logiv but using biology to do so (lets be honest when we think of life we think of more developed life and not single celled life, which of course in a biological sense is still life). This packs a lot of science in but still remains readable although there are one or two bits that do get a little complicated but these are handled pretty well by the author. I also rather liked the more relaxed conversational style of writing, including the references to religious and spiritual views and how these can (and can't) work with what science now knows or may know in future. All told a very good read that will challenge scientific and spiritual readers alike.
April 29, 2014
Fairly well written and worthwhile reading. But why the deceptive title? You could be fooled into thinking that the subject is philosophy from a biology point of view. Not really, the book is about teaching you biology, despite what the author says. And why the pen name of "M"? What is there to hide?
January 5, 2015
In these days of downsizing and minimalism, it is rare that a book finds a permanent home on my bookshelves. Yet this one has managed to do just that. The Meaning(s) of Life takes the reader on a journey through the development of life from proteins and single-celled organisms up through humans and (potentially) artificial life. Along the way we are given a history lesson on the scientific breakthroughs that allowed us to gain this complete picture of life as we currently know it.
"My aim is not to teach biology, but to select snippets of biology that are now interestingly at odds with the way we are accustomed to thinking about life. It is also not a prescriptive book. It will not teach you how these new perspectives will lead you to a better life. It is mostly a useless book, intended to make you wonder about the meaning of life in new ways - for no reason in particular." p. 13
The author calls these new ways of thinking about life "conceptual gestalt shifts" while the old scientific paradigms he calls "folk biology," "folk chemistry," "folk physics," etc. The author has done an excellent job of breaking complex scientific theories down into easily understandable and logical bits. The analogies were well chosen to illustrate such detail. In spite of that though, I wouldn't necessarily call it an easy read. It is, after all, a book that is meant to make you think.
In spite of claiming to be a useless book, I found the information contained in it very useful. I do indeed look at life in new ways now. In fact, I intend to use this book as a reference if I ever write science fiction that contains alien life. The author goes into great detail about the probable whys of life - why are we bilateral, why do we have a nervous system, etc., etc. It will also make you reconsider (or at least reevaluate) your stance on certain political issues. I would hardly call that useless.
What really captivated me about this book, though, was the integration of a variety of other scientific fields - from philosophy and physics to psychology and sociology.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in science. I believe anyone could walk away from this book with a new perspective on life.
"My aim is not to teach biology, but to select snippets of biology that are now interestingly at odds with the way we are accustomed to thinking about life. It is also not a prescriptive book. It will not teach you how these new perspectives will lead you to a better life. It is mostly a useless book, intended to make you wonder about the meaning of life in new ways - for no reason in particular." p. 13
The author calls these new ways of thinking about life "conceptual gestalt shifts" while the old scientific paradigms he calls "folk biology," "folk chemistry," "folk physics," etc. The author has done an excellent job of breaking complex scientific theories down into easily understandable and logical bits. The analogies were well chosen to illustrate such detail. In spite of that though, I wouldn't necessarily call it an easy read. It is, after all, a book that is meant to make you think.
In spite of claiming to be a useless book, I found the information contained in it very useful. I do indeed look at life in new ways now. In fact, I intend to use this book as a reference if I ever write science fiction that contains alien life. The author goes into great detail about the probable whys of life - why are we bilateral, why do we have a nervous system, etc., etc. It will also make you reconsider (or at least reevaluate) your stance on certain political issues. I would hardly call that useless.
What really captivated me about this book, though, was the integration of a variety of other scientific fields - from philosophy and physics to psychology and sociology.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in science. I believe anyone could walk away from this book with a new perspective on life.
November 9, 2014
I must admit, this book surprised me.
I am the kind of reader, who reads the title, looks at the cover, maybe flips through the book for a peek here and there, but I rarely read a description of it beforehand. And I almost never read reviews before the book, because I find that I become biased by other people's opinions. I like to start with a clear mind.
When I started to read this book, I was expecting something along the lines of "what is the purpose of our existence" or "how can we make our life meaningful and make every moment count". Boy was I wrong. And in a good way! So for those readers, who think this is that kind of book, I respectfully ask you to recalibrate your expectations. And read on. Because it's good.
In short, I would add this book to the category of biology for the layman. It goes into pretty specific details concerning the building blocks of life and the machinery that makes us what we are, and why we are the way we are (mostly).
What I found really admirable about this book is that it doesn't try to answer everything. It poses
questions regarding the main aspects of life (love, empathy, free will, social behavior, etc.), tells us what is known, and when the explanations are missing, is not afraid to say so.
Another thing that I liked is, despite the fact that it shows how much of our behavior can be reduced to chemical reactions within our body, it does not reduce the thought of being human to these reactions. It even explains how this view can be hard to accept, that it somehow eliminates our uniqueness and image of self. It respects the entities (in this case, the human beings) it speaks of and speaks to.
All in all, I found it an interesting read, with good questions, sometimes surprising answers coming from unexpected fields (like game theory). I found it informative, intriguing, and the puns were not bad themselves :D
I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in biology, or just as a refreshing new topic to those who are not :)
I am the kind of reader, who reads the title, looks at the cover, maybe flips through the book for a peek here and there, but I rarely read a description of it beforehand. And I almost never read reviews before the book, because I find that I become biased by other people's opinions. I like to start with a clear mind.
When I started to read this book, I was expecting something along the lines of "what is the purpose of our existence" or "how can we make our life meaningful and make every moment count". Boy was I wrong. And in a good way! So for those readers, who think this is that kind of book, I respectfully ask you to recalibrate your expectations. And read on. Because it's good.
In short, I would add this book to the category of biology for the layman. It goes into pretty specific details concerning the building blocks of life and the machinery that makes us what we are, and why we are the way we are (mostly).
What I found really admirable about this book is that it doesn't try to answer everything. It poses
questions regarding the main aspects of life (love, empathy, free will, social behavior, etc.), tells us what is known, and when the explanations are missing, is not afraid to say so.
Another thing that I liked is, despite the fact that it shows how much of our behavior can be reduced to chemical reactions within our body, it does not reduce the thought of being human to these reactions. It even explains how this view can be hard to accept, that it somehow eliminates our uniqueness and image of self. It respects the entities (in this case, the human beings) it speaks of and speaks to.
All in all, I found it an interesting read, with good questions, sometimes surprising answers coming from unexpected fields (like game theory). I found it informative, intriguing, and the puns were not bad themselves :D
I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in biology, or just as a refreshing new topic to those who are not :)
August 26, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars (mostly due to the distracting frequency of typos)
The Meaning(s) of Life was a fun, interesting read. I thought that each chapter was presented in a straightforward manner and well argued. While in some cases having a science background may be helpful I don't think it is necessary.
I have a background in biology so I enjoyed how M laid out his arguments but I do know some people who may struggle with (or become outright angered) by things he said. In particular, I thought the chapter on the 'theory' of evolution was well developed.
As I understood it, the primary purpose of this (useless!) book was to try to show that science isn't the enemy and biology is compatible with a variety of different views. I personally love science but The Meaning(s) of Life still gave me much to think about.
The chapters on evolution, bacteria, reality and finally answering that pesky chicken or egg question were all great. My favourites however, were the chapters on love, empathy and freewill. Discussions about the evolution and benefits of love and monogamy were fascinating. The counter-intuitive development of empathy was also engaging. As for the chapter on freewill, I'll sum it up with my favourite sentence from the chapter: "You chose, but you didn't really choose to choose." The combination of love, empathy and freewill and science was excellent!
The Meaning(s) of Life was a fascinating book. It covered a wide variety of topics and explored each well. I actually laughed out loud at sections of this book! Even if it's not the type of book you would typically read, I would recommend giving The Meaning(s) of Life a try. You may be pleasantly surprised!
4.5 stars (mostly due to the distracting frequency of typos)
The Meaning(s) of Life was a fun, interesting read. I thought that each chapter was presented in a straightforward manner and well argued. While in some cases having a science background may be helpful I don't think it is necessary.
I have a background in biology so I enjoyed how M laid out his arguments but I do know some people who may struggle with (or become outright angered) by things he said. In particular, I thought the chapter on the 'theory' of evolution was well developed.
As I understood it, the primary purpose of this (useless!) book was to try to show that science isn't the enemy and biology is compatible with a variety of different views. I personally love science but The Meaning(s) of Life still gave me much to think about.
The chapters on evolution, bacteria, reality and finally answering that pesky chicken or egg question were all great. My favourites however, were the chapters on love, empathy and freewill. Discussions about the evolution and benefits of love and monogamy were fascinating. The counter-intuitive development of empathy was also engaging. As for the chapter on freewill, I'll sum it up with my favourite sentence from the chapter: "You chose, but you didn't really choose to choose." The combination of love, empathy and freewill and science was excellent!
The Meaning(s) of Life was a fascinating book. It covered a wide variety of topics and explored each well. I actually laughed out loud at sections of this book! Even if it's not the type of book you would typically read, I would recommend giving The Meaning(s) of Life a try. You may be pleasantly surprised!
June 21, 2014
The book is informative, and teaches a lot about the biological makeup of life. It isn't as long-winded as your typical science book, however, and reads a lot more like a running blog. While there is a lot of biology in it, I think a lot of people would have an easier time understanding it. Not everyone will be comfortable with it, but that's okay. Getting out of your comfort zone is important for growth.
September 30, 2014
One of the best books I had ever read. I like how the author elaborate in a logical way.
April 14, 2019
The meaning(s) of Life means to take us readers on the journey that is life itself- from birth, through death to artificial life.
The book reads like essays, intending to perhaps give a bit of a scientific spin on the way we see ourselves and our time on the planet- but without actually bringing science into it, eventually coming out like a philosophical monologue from that one friend we all have.
In the end, I find that this book brings nothing new to the table. There’s nothing here that you haven’t already encountered simply by existing and looking up answers to basic questions about how things are.
I received this book through either Goodreads or Librarything giveaway- I can’t figure which one.
The book reads like essays, intending to perhaps give a bit of a scientific spin on the way we see ourselves and our time on the planet- but without actually bringing science into it, eventually coming out like a philosophical monologue from that one friend we all have.
“We have, for instance, an irresistible taste for sugar and fat because these are both foods with high energy density. They are high payoff targets if you are forging for calories in the wild to keep you alive.”
In the end, I find that this book brings nothing new to the table. There’s nothing here that you haven’t already encountered simply by existing and looking up answers to basic questions about how things are.
“We have a great affection for dogs because dogs evolved with us from wolves to become our special partners. They read out emotions to some extent.”
I received this book through either Goodreads or Librarything giveaway- I can’t figure which one.
October 18, 2018
At the end, we are just bacteria with brain.
August 27, 2019
A bit difficult to get into reading but interesting. Not really philosophical at all and only the end dealt with the question of souls.
Read
November 2, 2014this is quite enjoyable biological/science book about human nature,evolution,genetics,neurology.In entropy part of book,i really liked that how equilibrium occurs in closed systems and what would happen.the features of dna is fascinating that it has a backup copy.in evolution part,i agree with the idea that the teachers dont give enough attention to it in lessons because of some reasons.it should be taught and discussed in an objective way.human beings co-evolved with dogs and that's what they are like our friends,so cute.i really liked that theory.also,the book answers some interesting questions like egg-chicken dilemma etc.author approaches the biological subjects like "how would it be if it was different?".he gives answers to the most questioned theories in a scientific perspective.the part about DHMO,GMOS and their destructive effects are terrifying.Food industries mess up with nature and we dont even know what we are eating anymore.franken fruits and franken veggies sound so dangerous and risky.at the love stage,the connection between love and reproduction is interesting.I think,most of people believe the idea that if you dont reproduce,you dont matter.the relation between dopamine increase and attraction,how hormones affects love matters surprised me.the research about mirror neuron systems clarifies how we feel each others feelings,how empathy works.in freewill part,what i got is that your life is in your hands.I recommend this book to you if you are interested in biology.its a good book.4 stars
October 17, 2014
This book is not for everyone. If you have training in science (any discipline), and an interest in deeper issues, and an openness to new ways of thinking, you will find it gripping. I happen to qualify on all three counts, so enjoyed the challenge.
It was a challenge, despite the light, easy-to-follow language, and the occasional flashes of delightful humour. This is because of the subject matter. Occasional explanatory diagrams or tables would improve ease of comprehension.
Basically, the topic is the implications of modern biology for the age-old questions perplexing philosophers: what is free will, love, empathy, is death inevitable. Such topics are tackled after considerable introductory instruction, which I found fascinating in its own right.
I was forced to examine many of my beliefs and attitudes. I have modified some, and have decided to hang on to others. I’d love to sit down with “M” for a good debate. For example, he seems to be unaware of the scientific study of reincarnation. I’d like him to assess it, and then perhaps be forced to modify some of his beliefs.
One more criticism is that the book could use a line edit -- something I unfortunately find the case with much of my reading. All the same, despite the negatives, this is a must-read -- for the right audience.
It was a challenge, despite the light, easy-to-follow language, and the occasional flashes of delightful humour. This is because of the subject matter. Occasional explanatory diagrams or tables would improve ease of comprehension.
Basically, the topic is the implications of modern biology for the age-old questions perplexing philosophers: what is free will, love, empathy, is death inevitable. Such topics are tackled after considerable introductory instruction, which I found fascinating in its own right.
I was forced to examine many of my beliefs and attitudes. I have modified some, and have decided to hang on to others. I’d love to sit down with “M” for a good debate. For example, he seems to be unaware of the scientific study of reincarnation. I’d like him to assess it, and then perhaps be forced to modify some of his beliefs.
One more criticism is that the book could use a line edit -- something I unfortunately find the case with much of my reading. All the same, despite the negatives, this is a must-read -- for the right audience.
November 17, 2014
This book addresses human characteristics that makes many people believe in a thing such as a soul. The author goes through them and explaining them from a scientific perspective.
It was a pretty interesting read. Some parts are a bit hard to go through for somebody who is not a scientist. Especially the first two chapters that are very heavy on biology, but if one gives it enough time it makes sense and is a pretty good read.
The author also combines some amount of philosophy with science and has a very good humorous tone in the book. I really liked the chapter on GMO, the way M defends it is the best so far that I have read.
I think the only part that I didn`t really agree on was in the Love chapter where to show differences between men and women a study is brought as a proof where no women agreed to have sex when asked to do so on campus. It really seems to be learned behavior. They may very well want sex but would not ruin their reputation. And also when going out the possibility for sex is kind of implied, it is unusual for anyone to be that straight forward, they could have just been worried the guy isn`t all right in his head.
But this is just a small thing. Other than that I really liked the book
It was a pretty interesting read. Some parts are a bit hard to go through for somebody who is not a scientist. Especially the first two chapters that are very heavy on biology, but if one gives it enough time it makes sense and is a pretty good read.
The author also combines some amount of philosophy with science and has a very good humorous tone in the book. I really liked the chapter on GMO, the way M defends it is the best so far that I have read.
I think the only part that I didn`t really agree on was in the Love chapter where to show differences between men and women a study is brought as a proof where no women agreed to have sex when asked to do so on campus. It really seems to be learned behavior. They may very well want sex but would not ruin their reputation. And also when going out the possibility for sex is kind of implied, it is unusual for anyone to be that straight forward, they could have just been worried the guy isn`t all right in his head.
But this is just a small thing. Other than that I really liked the book
March 12, 2015
I received my copy of "The Meaning(s) of Life" from GoodReads First Reads Giveaway. Many thanks to Goodreads and M!
This is essentially a book on Biology and the author delves into the origins of life, genetics, death and host of topics which deal with how we are affected by and also impact the environment in which we live. Even love, empathy and freewill is viewed from a rather interesting perspective.
I liked the authors' presentation style which was fairly easy to follow with well reasoned discussion and argument of subjects - even areas which you may be in disagreement with! In particular, I liked the chapter on Evolution which was covered in such a logical manner. There is much to learn as the author introduces many of the recent developments which have helped to change our understanding of how things work!
I think that this book would appeal to someone with an interest in science, but who also wants to gain different perspective on life.
This is essentially a book on Biology and the author delves into the origins of life, genetics, death and host of topics which deal with how we are affected by and also impact the environment in which we live. Even love, empathy and freewill is viewed from a rather interesting perspective.
I liked the authors' presentation style which was fairly easy to follow with well reasoned discussion and argument of subjects - even areas which you may be in disagreement with! In particular, I liked the chapter on Evolution which was covered in such a logical manner. There is much to learn as the author introduces many of the recent developments which have helped to change our understanding of how things work!
I think that this book would appeal to someone with an interest in science, but who also wants to gain different perspective on life.
June 5, 2015
At first i was worried that the book might be too spiritual for me and i wouldn't like it or finish it but it was the opposite , pure scientific facts. Every time i would read a paragraph i would be like "ooh cool" or " hah, that's not interesting !!" and even if i stopped reading for a month for what ever reason and pick up from where i left, it would still be interesting and i don't need to start all over again.
The only down side - if i could call it that - is that their is so much information and facts rushing one after one that i end up forgetting them, or maybe it's just me. anyway it's a book worth reading more that once.
Thanks Mr M for the copy, it encouraged me to read it even more.
The only down side - if i could call it that - is that their is so much information and facts rushing one after one that i end up forgetting them, or maybe it's just me. anyway it's a book worth reading more that once.
Thanks Mr M for the copy, it encouraged me to read it even more.
August 30, 2015
I got this book for free in a Goodreads Giveaway. I wanted to be a the right frame of mind when I read this book...for some reason for me that meant the summer...apologies for taking so long. So on to the review. This a very cool book... I love all things science so it's great to see a book like this, i.e., biology among all the religious books out there, talking about the meaning(s) of life. As a non-religious person, I appreciate that. Several theories are put put forth, again from a biological perspective. This book has won a ton of awards. If you like science, and have ever wondered about our origins, read this book!!
November 29, 2024
Not the most polished book (with occasional typos), but this winner of 2015 EPIC eBooks Award is a nice compendium of understanding of meaning as in causes of life at many levels. It doesn’t discuss the meaning of life in the sense of purpose. It starts with metabolism which requires a system not too open or closed and explains how lipids provide natural bilayer. It went on to discuss origin of life, evolution, senecense, to free will and artificial life (man made bacterium). All in all, a very concise and to-the-point book about the meanings (causes) of life. Take a read, so you can ponder the meaning (purpose) of life.
May 26, 2015
This book makes me curious about the author and his journey.
Sure, if you are more than concerned about something as fundamental as the meanings of Life in a spiritual or philosophical sense, you must also invest time and be prepared to wait patiently for discoveries that reveal more about the building blocks of Life.
That long wait of mine has been shorten by the works within this book. With deep gratitude.
Sure, if you are more than concerned about something as fundamental as the meanings of Life in a spiritual or philosophical sense, you must also invest time and be prepared to wait patiently for discoveries that reveal more about the building blocks of Life.
That long wait of mine has been shorten by the works within this book. With deep gratitude.
August 11, 2014
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy.
The book makes you start thinking about the meaning of life, about the purpose of life from biological point of view. It's a book about origin of life, evolution even about love and death. This is a very informative science book which everyone can enjoy while reading it.
The book makes you start thinking about the meaning of life, about the purpose of life from biological point of view. It's a book about origin of life, evolution even about love and death. This is a very informative science book which everyone can enjoy while reading it.
September 18, 2014
btw thanks for free copy.. I like this book. About biology but told with simple language. We can know the relation about human body with biology and other aspect. But i think this book needs picture as illustration. Bcoz sometimes i feel bored to see only write. hehe
August 18, 2015
well , if i had to describe this book in one sentence , it would be 'it opened my mind '.
I wish more people would read it .
I wish more people would read it .
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