DigeeBooks

A provocative exploration of the tension between our evolutionary history and our modern woes - and what we can do about it.

We are living through the most prosperous age in all of human history, yet we are listless, divided, and miserable. Wealth and comfort are unparalleled, but our political landscape is unmoored, and rates of suicide, lone­liness, and chronic illness continue to skyrocket. How do we explain the gap between these truths? And how should we respond?

For evolutionary biologists Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein, the cause of our troubles is clear: The accelerat­ing rate of change in the modern world has outstripped the capacity of our brains and bodies to adapt. We evolved to live in clans, but today many people don’t even know their neighbors’ names. In our haste to discard outdated gender roles, we increasingly deny the flesh-and-blood realities of sex - and its ancient roots. The cognitive dissonance spawned by trying to live in a society we are not built for is killing us.

In this book, Heying and Weinstein draw on decades of their work teaching in college classrooms and explor­ing Earth’s most biodiverse ecosystems to confront today’s pressing social ills - from widespread sleep deprivation and dangerous diets to damaging parenting styles and back­ward education practices. Asking the questions many mod­ern people are afraid to ask, A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century outlines a science-based worldview that will empower you to live a better, wiser life.

This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF containing illustrations and charts from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life by Heather Heying

Heather Heying's book explores the challenges of modern life through the lens of evolutionary theory. She argues that our hunter-gatherer ancestors faced different challenges than we do today, and that our brains and bodies evolved to meet those challenges. As a result, we are often poorly equipped to deal with the stresses of modern life, such as chronic disease, anxiety, and depression.

Heying draws on the latest research in evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology to show how our hunter-gatherer heritage influences our behavior, our health, and our relationships. She also offers practical advice for how we can use this knowledge to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about yourself and the world around you. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges of modern life and how to overcome them.

Here are some of the key insights in A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century:

• Our hunter-gatherer ancestors lived in small, egalitarian groups and had a strong sense of community. In contrast, we live in large, impersonal societies and often feel isolated and alone.
• Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were constantly moving and foraging for food. In contrast, we are sedentary and have access to an abundance of processed food.
• Our hunter-gatherer ancestors faced a number of physical challenges, such as predators, extreme weather, and disease. In contrast, we live in a relatively safe and comfortable environment.
• Our brains and bodies evolved to meet the challenges of our hunter-gatherer lifestyle. As a result, we are often poorly equipped to deal with the stresses of modern life.

Heying's book is a call to action. She argues that we need to change the way we live in order to align ourselves with our evolutionary heritage. She offers a number of practical suggestions, such as spending more time in nature, eating a healthier diet, and getting more exercise.

A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century is a powerful and persuasive book that will challenge you to rethink your life.