The second chapter begins with the development of life from the materials provided by the Universe. The principles of biochemistry, biogenesis, and biological evolution are followed to explain this exciting phenomenon. In addition, the possibility of extraterrestrial life (within our own solar system and also the Universe) is examined. After primitive life was established on Earth, its evolutionary path to modern humans is traced, followed by the ancient human migrations across the globe with subsequent development of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities.
The third chapter explores the human mind, the anatomy and physiology of the human brain, and their relevance in theories of how consciousness, intelligence, and behavior are derived. The product (and consequences) of these basic qualities of the human mind are examined: society, philosophy, science, religion, and technology.
The fourth chapter examines some issues of importance to the future of humanity (e.g., future evolution, technology, civilization, overpopulation, disease, pollution, and climate), and various scenarios of human extinction and ways to avoid (or at least delay) undesirable consequences. The chapter ends with theories of the ultimate fate of our Earth, our galaxy, and the Universe.
The fifth chapter is a summary of the highlights of the previous chapters, providing some perspective of humanity’s place within the context of the Universe and examining our concepts of reality.
Cosmic Legacy is a hard cover edition with 390 pages and illustrated with numerous photographs, drawings, graphs, and tables. The book also includes an appendix, glossary, bibliography and extensive index.
