The Third Chimpanzee for Young People: On the Evolution and Future of the Human Animal

Jared Diamond, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff

At some point during the last 100,000 years, humans began exhibiting traits and behavior that distinguished us from other animals, eventually creating language, art, religion, bicycles, spacecraft, and nuclear weapons-all within a heartbeat of evolutionary time. Now, faced with the threat of nuclear weapons and the effects of climate change, it seems our innate tendencies for violence and invention have led us to a crucial fork in our road. Where did these traits come from? Are they part of our species immutable destiny? Or is there hope for our species' future if we change? With fascinating facts and his unparalleled readability, Diamond intended his book to improve the world that today's young people will inherit. Triangle Square's The Third Chimpanzee for Young People is a book for future generation and the future they'll help build.

Introduction: what makes us human?part one: just another big mammal chapter 1: a tale of three chimps chapter 2: the great leap forward part two: a strange life cycle  chapter 3: human sexuality chapter 4: the origin of human races chapter 5: why do we grow old and die? part three: uniquely human  chapter 6: the mystery of language chapter 7: animal origins of art  chapter 8: agriculture, for better and worse  chapter 9: why do we smoke, drink, and use dangerous drugs?  chapter 10: alone in a crowded universe part four: world conquerors chapter 11: the last first contacts chapter 12: accidental conquerorschapter 13: in black and whitepart five: reversing our progress overnight  chapter 14: the golden age that never was  chapter 15: blitzkrieg and thanksgiving in the new world  chapter 16: the second cloud Afterword : nothing learned, everything forgotten? Glossary Index Photograph and Illustration Credits About the Authors