Book Talk: The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan

[SeanLawlorNelson]

I consider all of Dr. Sagan's books not only sound works of popularization, but also sound and important works of science. But we're talking about 'The Dragons of Eden, ' and my point about the book is that along with some contextualizing information, Sagan makes a very, very strong case that mutations within a life-form's individual life-time are one of the common, constructive drivers of evolution(though most mutations lead to death or disability according to Sagan.) This corresponds with the Lamarckian evolutionary theory I've brought out of the history books; and we feel we've proven with a large study by M.I.T. Sagan emphasizes single generation change while Lamarck only includes it but it's essentially the same theory, Lamarck having arrived at it first, but Sagan having worked out in modern and more convincing detail. I too have made contributions; and will share with you related information that's not written down yet. We have found DNA helixes in the blood and found their relation to paternity and maternity, etc., through reproduction, but as we scientists tend to do, we then let it be thought we had a complete understanding or working theory. But it's very doubtful that all of the relevant genetic information is carried in the DNA helixes in the blood, or in the Ys and Xs of the sperm and the eggs, though much is, but rather we must undertake a scientific quest to find new places in the human and animal body where genetic information is stored and transferred, ostensibly from generation to generation, and ostensibly among non-related hominids, particularly in hominid evolution, as opposed to animal evolution. It's difficult due to bio-ethics but a major place we should look is the brain, so I suggest working with chimpanzees; though human studies I also personally advise, as this is so important to the future of medicine and the future of humanity. You might ask how this genetic information is being transferred; Most scientists don't know and my own understanding is so incomplete I don't care to share it at this point, though you can rely that as long I live I will work on these problems, and there are many other excellent scientists who are the same way. Thanks for the science forum.

[SeanLawlorNelson]

We've also noticed that the DNA that is contained in the conventional chromosomes goes through different modes and stages, which are controlled by switches. What activates these switches? That is a pertinent question indeed. To find the answer I suspect we have to enter the science of collective consciousnesses, at least for part of the answer. But my confidence upon this is far from complete unlike what I wrote in the other piece on this Dragons of Eden: Book Talk. Regardless, the science of collective consciousnesses is quite real and relevant to practical issues we face today and will face in the future.

[First_Principals]

There is an updated version called up from dragons by sagan and skoyles. It was written 20 years after the original and has a lot more up to date research. I have it's the best book I have read about human nature.

[Doyoufearthereaper]

I know what you mean about seeing the ossification of a great mind. I recently became a fan of Noam Chomsky, and so began listening to his speeches. There is a very noticeable difference in anything after the late 90s to early 2000s. It's saddening to see a mind like that go. It's almost like watching them die

[mannyfrshh]

Sooo I have a copy of this and its signed by Carl sagan just came across it yesterday 😱

[DrAtomics]

Neil is definitely guilty of the ego bloat. Good video! Reading Sagan's Dragons of Eden right now, it's been great so far!

[fightme]

Loved your analysis and interpretation of the text!

[thelastmystic]

Thanks for the information. From a fellow mystic, stay wary my friend 🧙‍♂️🍄

[corander]

Interesting perspective. I don't think his (sagan) bias got in the way, I just think neither of you knows who is right. Philosophy has no place here though... Who is at the top of your pegboard though, out of curiosity... The book was somewhat interesting, but I don't like reading sagan, I'd rather listen, frankly.

[AmaranthOriginal]

As you described this book, I tried to remember if I'd read it. It's been a while since I read any Sagan, but this one didn't sound familiar at all.

"Engineer Syndrome" seems to happen in every profession.