Evolution's End: Claiming the Potential of Our Intelligence

by Joseph Chilton Pearce

A tour of the human mind probes the biology of the brain, speculates on the nature of intelligence, previews the next step in human evolution, and condemns social changes which seem to point in the wrong direction

Genres: Psychology, Parenting, Education, Childrens, Nonfiction, Evolution, Health

266 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 1992

About the author

For nearly half a century Joseph C. Pearce, who prefers to be known simply as Joe, has been probing the mysteries of the human mind. One of his overriding passions remains the study of what he calls the "unfolding" of intelligence in children. He is a self-avowed iconoclast, unafraid to speak out against the myriad ways in which contemporary American culture fails to nurture the intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs and yearnings of our young people. Part scholar, part scientist, part mystic, part itinerant teacher, Joe keeps in close touch with the most brilliant men and women in each field of inure relevant to his guest. He creates a unique synthesis of their work and translates the results into a common language-such a valuable contribution in these days of increasing scientific specialization.

Reviews

[roleat · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Evolution's End" excited the radical in me. It presents criticisms on Western society with insight, and draws from a wide range of theories not often discussed in mainstream culture.

This isn't academic literature so the narrative is more fanciful than pedantic. His writing helped me understand some Eastern philosophical views that I've not grasped before, namely the distinction of female energy as chaos, and destruction.

If you share an interest in sociology, and basic neuroscience this is a great book to pick up.

[Jessica Delaney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish it- I couldn't even get to chapter two. I am sure it is profound- but not written in an accessible way-for me at least..

[Phil Calandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a rather confusing and misguided effort to show how man has failed in all important areas of his life and that most people do not reach that final "mystical state of evolution" as outlined in the author's book. The author finds support for his theories in the areas of neuro-science, quantum physics, Indian Philosophy, Christian Mysticism and developmental psychology. The author uses such terms as "implicate power of manifesting" and "explicate" or "contracted end" and other such terms that appear meaningless and set little foundation for his further discussion. The author seems to make false claims that most children are neurologically damaged as a result of interventions during childhood ie: lack of breast feeding, routine circumcision without anaesthesia and other unsubstantiated claims. As a result of the foregoing, the author claims that there has been an epidemic of crime, violence collapsing schools, and that man has failed to meet his potential. I would not recommend this book.

[Dan Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening with a comparative look at physics and Shaiva tantrism, JCP then explores the evolutionary development of the human brain and nervous system through their triune structures. He emphasizes the need for a model imperative to create the field in which these structures develop and highlights the many ways that modern (circa 1992) American culture - medicalized childbirth, daycare, television, and school curricula that prematurely emphasize abstract/symbolic learning - has and continues to harm children and their ability to be educable. He correlates the physiological changes in the brain with developmental faculties, and the prospect that the human cortex - if allowed and encouraged to develop through its potential (the teleological "end" of evolution) would yield a much different type of person and culture.

[Smithecon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author writes about abstract ideas using language that is accessible for the readers not entrenched in the discipline. Although the material is a bit dated by scientific standards, many of the harmful practices explained are still in practice today. I would recommend it as a good read for anyone interested in psychology.

[Beebee Pomegranate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Egotism is the root of devolution.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book about the evolution of the human brain and human intelligence. More interestingly, it relates these with aspects of our everyday life, showing how inappropriate are our modern ways of undertaking childbirth and providing daycare, feeding and schooling to our children.
Released through BookCrossing.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-reading because this subject is so compelling

[FMLDNR · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book.

[Elizabeth Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very similar to Magic Child, but less depth. Some sections are exactly the same. If you were to pick one, I’d recommend Magical Child.