The renowned neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux delves into the depths of the natural history of life on Earth in search of a new understanding of the similarities between us and our distant ancestors. By following the chronological sequence of evolution, he demonstrates that even the oldest single-celled organisms were called upon to solve problems similar to those that we and our cells address daily.

This easily readable treatise sheds new light on questions such as how nervous systems evolved in animals, how the brain developed, what it means to be human, what place we occupy in Nature, and how the emergence of what we perceive as consciousness has enabled both the greatest and the most burdensome achievements of our species.

What they said about it:

“Joseph LeDoux is the leading scientist heading the significant effort to identify the brain mechanisms that create emotional states. In his latest book, LeDoux attempts to connect the survival capabilities of single-celled microorganisms with the uniquely human survival ability, significantly aided by our capacity to think, feel, and reflect not just on our own past and future but also on the past and future of all humanity. It is an outstanding book.” — Eric R. Kandel, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

“...A great book full of new ideas, enlightening in the many ways in which we humans, and other animals, came to possess the traits we hold. [...] Delightfully readable for the general reader, packed with useful information for neuroscientists.” — Daniel Levitin, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, McGill University

“Joseph LeDoux is one of the rare scientists who sees both the trees and the forest. This extremely readable book will satisfy a diverse readership. It is an introduction to the evolution of life intertwined with a sophisticated, historically informed, provocative discussion of our psychological processes that require explanation. An original work by a distinguished scientist who understands both the brain and its relationship to psychological events.” — Jerome Kagan, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Harvard University

“A captivating, fully informative journey from the origins of life itself to the emergence of beings with complex mental life. An essential look at how we humans gained intelligence, consciousness, and emotions. [...] A true achievement.” — Susan Schneider, Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, University of Connecticut

“Joseph LeDoux helps us to more deeply understand a great and ancient question: How does our mind distinguish us from other life forms? We couldn't ask for a better guide: LeDoux is a world-class neuroscientist, with research at the cutting edge of human understanding of behavior, emotions, and consciousness. With intelligence, spirit, and wisdom, LeDoux follows the tracks of 4 billion years of life history, demonstrating that humans share basic behaviors with single-celled organisms while reaching a level of reflective self-awareness that may be unique in the Universe. Exceptionally exciting reading.” — Jeffrey D. Sachs, Professor of Sustainable Development, Columbia University

“Joseph LeDoux presents a remarkable, personal synthesis of zoology, neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy. Its central theme is the emergence of consciousness through the evolution of nervous systems and behaviors controlled by them. [...] An exciting read that broadens the mind.” — Trevor Robbins, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Cambridge

“The most important thing to know about consciousness is that it is a product of evolution. In this monumental work, Joe LeDoux presents us with not only the big picture of this evolution but also the key details of the complex nervous system that made the emergence of consciousness possible.” — Christopher Frith, Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience, University College London

“It is always a wise idea to place ourselves within the context that surrounds us. But to place ourselves within the context of a 4 billion year story is a cosmic feat. Short, engaging essays raise questions such as ‘What is consciousness?’, ‘What are emotions?’, and above all, ‘Who am I?’. The answers will surprise you.” — Hazel Rose Markus, Professor of Behavioral Science, Stanford University

“An exciting book with an ambitious vision for the evolution of life, from its molecular beginnings to the emergence of consciousness. Joseph LeDoux approaches certain key ideas in a nonconventional way, including some new, revealing interpretations of how our brain functions.” — Marian Stamp Dawkins, Professor of Animal Behavior, University of Oxford

“LeDoux begins his new book with the biology of simple life forms and concludes it, at the peak of biological complexity, with a thorough defense of human feelings and consciousness as higher-order cognitive processes. One need not agree with all his views — and I agree with many of them — to admire the quality of his achievement and to congratulate him for it.” — Antonio Damasio, Professor of Neuroscience, Psychology, and Philosophy, University of Southern California