The Eternal Child
Created | Updated Jun 26, 2005
Book Review: (part of the Popular Science Book Project - A4166336)
Clive Bromhall - 'The Eternal Child'
This book starts with the essentially unchallengable argument that humans exhibit a large degree of neoteny (the maintenance of juvenile characteristics into adulthood), and works through the various implications.
Arguments are put forward that some characteristically human features may not be the result of natural selection working on the particular feature, but be largely byproducts of evolution favouring more and more general persistence of juvenile characteristics in humans.
The variation in the degree of neoteny between different populations is covered, with reference to the nature of various societies.
The possible implications on general human behaviour, relations between the sexes and human sexuality are also considered, with interesting conclusions, which are well worth considering as possibilities or partial explanations even for people who might wish to disagree with them as major factors.
Overall, this is a very thought-provoking book.
Whilst not necessarily covering the entirity of human development from the last common human/bonobo/chimpanzee ancestor, it does provide many things to think about when considering other theories of human evolution, and is a worthwhile read even for people who may disagree with the extent of the author's arguments.
Suggested other reading:
Elaine Morgan - 'The Descent Of Woman'.
Clive Bromhall - 'The Eternal Child'
This book starts with the essentially unchallengable argument that humans exhibit a large degree of neoteny (the maintenance of juvenile characteristics into adulthood), and works through the various implications.
Arguments are put forward that some characteristically human features may not be the result of natural selection working on the particular feature, but be largely byproducts of evolution favouring more and more general persistence of juvenile characteristics in humans.
The variation in the degree of neoteny between different populations is covered, with reference to the nature of various societies.
The possible implications on general human behaviour, relations between the sexes and human sexuality are also considered, with interesting conclusions, which are well worth considering as possibilities or partial explanations even for people who might wish to disagree with them as major factors.
Overall, this is a very thought-provoking book.
Whilst not necessarily covering the entirity of human development from the last common human/bonobo/chimpanzee ancestor, it does provide many things to think about when considering other theories of human evolution, and is a worthwhile read even for people who may disagree with the extent of the author's arguments.
Suggested other reading:
Elaine Morgan - 'The Descent Of Woman'.
