Reading even one book is beyond so many now, let alone a book that requires (gasp!) serious thinking. A few years ago, I slogged through "On the origin of Species." Tough but worthwhile read. Some of his observations have been recent rediscoveries - e.g. the presence of atavistic traits can be found in embryos even when absent in adults.
He also deduced that all breeds of dogs were descended from a handful of ancestors and thought that if there was just "some mechanism" we would discover that there was one single ancestor. Now we have DNA and know that it all started with wolves.
Think I remember that he actually wrote the book years earlier but delayed publication due to the anticipated backlash from creationists - who are still with us today!!
Interesting! Just ordered it. Living in a tiny house, I long ago let go of my library and disposed of about 120 boxes of books, so I will read it and pass it on to bird trainers I know - they have a crow. Very intelligent bird and hyper-aware of any change in her environment.
One thing I already learned from them - birds, with their small brains, have less distance for neuron signals to travel. But there is even more to it. Basically, birds can think at least five times faster than we can. Explains why they can fly at top speed through the branches of a forest and have no problem dodging and weaving.
I enjoyed a graduate level course on Shakespeare's tragedies last semester at the best university in our nation. It stands as one of the most enriching and dare I say, fun experiences of my life. Good literature and robust discussion of good literature still lives on campus, and we are all better for it.
Reading even one book is beyond so many now, let alone a book that requires (gasp!) serious thinking. A few years ago, I slogged through "On the origin of Species." Tough but worthwhile read. Some of his observations have been recent rediscoveries - e.g. the presence of atavistic traits can be found in embryos even when absent in adults.
He also deduced that all breeds of dogs were descended from a handful of ancestors and thought that if there was just "some mechanism" we would discover that there was one single ancestor. Now we have DNA and know that it all started with wolves.
Think I remember that he actually wrote the book years earlier but delayed publication due to the anticipated backlash from creationists - who are still with us today!!
Jim,
Along those lines, I just found a book you may enjoy: "Mind of the Raven" by Bernd Heinrich. on the intelligence and social sophistication of ravens.
Michael
Interesting! Just ordered it. Living in a tiny house, I long ago let go of my library and disposed of about 120 boxes of books, so I will read it and pass it on to bird trainers I know - they have a crow. Very intelligent bird and hyper-aware of any change in her environment.
One thing I already learned from them - birds, with their small brains, have less distance for neuron signals to travel. But there is even more to it. Basically, birds can think at least five times faster than we can. Explains why they can fly at top speed through the branches of a forest and have no problem dodging and weaving.
Jim,
That's fascinating! I think you'll enjoy the book on ravens. Extraordinary birds!
Michael
I enjoyed a graduate level course on Shakespeare's tragedies last semester at the best university in our nation. It stands as one of the most enriching and dare I say, fun experiences of my life. Good literature and robust discussion of good literature still lives on campus, and we are all better for it.
Douglas,
One of the best classes I ever had in college was on Shakespeare's tragedies. I still go back and read them.
Michael