The Evolution of Human Uniqueness

Ramachandran weaves throughout his book the idea that humans physically are very similar to other life forms, and yet are completely unique in the animal kingdom. He refutes all ideas that suggest any faculties, like the concept of religion or self-awareness, or an appreciation for art and beauty may have simply appeared at some point in the time line.

Ramachandran is adamant that all human capabilities are the result of the normal process of evolution occurring in gradual steps that eventually built up to spectacular results. Though the human brain has structures that do not exist in other animals, he insists they must have predecessors in evolutionary ancestors that were enlarged, divided, or repurposed. Humans evolved from apes, which evolved from lower mammals, which evolved from lower life forms. At some point during this evolutionary process, the differences between humans and other animals appeared...