Humans – Tom Phillips
Human beings are capable of extraordinary achievements, from building civilizations to traveling into space. We are also capable of staggering mistakes. In Humans: A Brief History of How We F*cked It All Up, writer and editor Tom Phillips takes a humorous look at the many ways our species has gotten things spectacularly wrong.
Phillips begins with our evolutionary origins, explaining how the very features that make us successful, such as our ability to recognize patterns, make quick decisions and cooperate in groups, also lead us into trouble. Our brains are prone to shortcuts, biases and overconfidence, which can result in poor judgments and disastrous consequences.
The book then takes readers on a tour of human history’s greatest blunders. Phillips describes environmental disasters caused by introducing species to places where they did not belong, leaders who made catastrophically bad decisions, failed attempts to colonize new lands, misguided wars, economic bubbles and manias, scientific and medical mistakes, and the unintended consequences of new technologies. Along the way, he shares strange and surprising stories from many periods and cultures.
Written in a witty, irreverent style, the book is entertaining and accessible, while also offering serious insights into human nature and the reasons we repeat our mistakes. Phillips ends on a cautiously hopeful note, considering what we might learn from our history.
Funny and thought-provoking, Humans is an enjoyable read for history lovers, fans of popular science and anyone who appreciates humorous takes on the human condition. It contains strong language, as the full title suggests.
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