Review: How to be Human by New Scientist

How to be Human is officially the ultimate learning experience. Think textbook, but you’ll actually want to read it. Mind-blowing is perhaps the easiest way to describe the adventure that is this book. The sheer level of expertise, evident through the meticulous research and many contributing writers (each specialists in their field) make it sexy. New Scientist has done a great job of compiling their best articles on human nature, biology and society into a single, beautiful collection.

Learning has never looked this good, seriously. Each chapter features articles concerning a wide range of topics from why our minds wonder, to the pheromones that make us attractive to others, the reason we form habits, and why we show emotions. Ever wondered why we cry, dream, lie or show empathy? Read this and find out. Similarly, prepare to discover the working behind introverts and extroverts, and the subtle differences in brain mechanics and chemistry between the genders. Basically, human beings are extraordinarily complex beings riddled with mysteries. Yet this book exposes myths about society, explains social aspects you’ve always wondered about, and expertly makes sense of previously unknown and oft-pondered questions of what makes us us. For every random question you’ve ever wondered about your brain and body – including those deep shower thoughts – here is an answer.

Mesmerizing facts and information aside, the style of the writing in How to be Human is equally attractive. Filled with witty banter and sly humour, the writers certainly make facts fun.

Go on, learn something, demystify your life, and impress (or annoy, there’s a thin line) others with a myriad facts about why and how we do what we do.

How to be Human by New Scientist is published by Hachette Books, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.