In his characteristically iconoclastic and original way, Gould argues that progress and increasing complexity are not inevitable features of the evolution of life on Earth. Further, if we wish to see grandeur in life, we must discard our selfish and anthropocentric view of evolution and learn to see it as Darwin did, as the random but unfathomably rich source of 'endless forms most beautiful and wonderful'. LIFE'S GRANDEUR is abundant with the fascinating arcana of palaeontology and biology, the subtleties of mathematical ...
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In his characteristically iconoclastic and original way, Gould argues that progress and increasing complexity are not inevitable features of the evolution of life on Earth. Further, if we wish to see grandeur in life, we must discard our selfish and anthropocentric view of evolution and learn to see it as Darwin did, as the random but unfathomably rich source of 'endless forms most beautiful and wonderful'. LIFE'S GRANDEUR is abundant with the fascinating arcana of palaeontology and biology, the subtleties of mathematical analysis, and the heroic achievements of baseball players and the occasional scientist. But behind it all, as always in Gould's popular writing, is a passionate belief in the completion of an intellectual revolution. Plato believed that abstract ideals are the fundemental reality, while the stones, flora and fauna of the world are merely its flawed and secondary reflection. Such a view may encourage us to see ourselves as closer than a gibbon to the ideal of life, but we flatter ourselves. We can and should appreciate human glory in human spheres. But any rational view of nature tells us that we are a simple branch on an immense bush.
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Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: Spread of Excellence from Plato to to cart. $11.27, good condition, Sold by Hay-on-Wye Booksellers rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hereford, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.
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Good. USED-some outer edges have minor scuffs, spine is creased, outer pages have shelf wear, book content is in very good condition. 272 p. Facsimiles. Intended for professional and scholarly audience.
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: the Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $12.16, good condition, Sold by Jenhams rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dundee, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1997 by Vintage.
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Please note this is the TSP edition. Good to Very Good condition. This book is in stock now, in our UK premises. Photos of our books are available on request (the pictures you see on Alibris are NOT our own).
Add this copy of Lifes Grandeur: the Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $14.61, good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.
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Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages.
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $14.97, very good condition, Sold by Magis Books rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Markfield, LEICESTERSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape, 1997.
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263pp. Soft covers. Very good+ Gould discusses the history of life, of music, sport and other human achievements in his search for the meaning of excellence.
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: the Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $15.00, like new condition, Sold by The Hermitage Bookshop rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape.
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $15.25, good condition, Sold by Goldstone Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ammanford, CARMS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.
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Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: the Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $16.38, good condition, Sold by Fireside Bookshop rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Stroud, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.
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Good in No d/j as Published jacket. Size: 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall; Type: Book N.B. Small plain label to inside front cover. Darkening to page edges. (SCIENCE)
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: the Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $16.54, good condition, Sold by Halcyon Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: the Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $17.87, very good condition, Sold by Pearlydewdrops rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Haywards Heath, WEST SUSSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2005 by Vintage.
Add this copy of Life's Grandeur: the Spread of Excellence From Plato to to cart. $17.87, good condition, Sold by Pearlydewdrops rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Haywards Heath, WEST SUSSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by Jonathan Cape Ltd.