Inspired by the debate about cloning and recent discoveries about the causes of cancer and ageing, this book seeks to explain research into genetic engineering, neuroscience, quantum theory and cosmology. It proposes evidence for the claim that science seems to be on the verge of providing what religion once offered - a genuine prospect of physical immortality and the option to understand the deepest mysteries of life, the universe and the human spirit.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Beware: Only half the book relates to the title.,
By
This review is from: The Last Mortal Generation: How Science Will Alter Our Lives in the 21st Century (Paperback)
Broderick writes about the possiblility of 'immortality' very well. The first two chapters are very engaging. But by the third chapter he moves into more philosophical territory and never regains the pace and focus. This chapter (the third) is mostly worth reading, but at times it's distracted and repetitive. It's true that "evolution is a blind process, and not a caring designer", but the point is not that interesting by the fourth repeat. It's a seven chapter book, but the fourth, fifth and sixth chapters have nothing to do with human lifespan and the propect of immortality. They cover neuroscience, cosmology, quantum theory and some anthropology. There's also postmodern thinking on the mind and consciousness. There's nothing down-to-earth or practical about 'The Last Mortal Generation'. If you haven't read any Daniel Dennett, Paul Davies or Jarad Diamond these chapters (3 - 6) may make a good summary, but otherwise, you'll just be reading reviews of all their theories. In these chapters too, the book labors under elements of predictable political correctness. There are the usual comments on sexism, racism and intelligence that get miles of coverage in the press. Yawn. If you're looking for information on aging and extending lifespan get Stephen Austads' book "Why We Age". It's well worth it. Likewise for anthropology and human history I'd get "Guns Germs and Steel" (Jarad Diamond) and go straight to the source. (Why hear things second hand?) Since I was looking for immortality and lifespan information I was disappointed overall, even though the first two chapters had me gripped and intrigued. To be honest, if the book was cheaper and only four (relevant) chapters long I might have given it 4 stars (maybe). If you want a review of lots of science related books from the 90's (and you haven't read many) then this may be just what you need. Otherwise I'd look elsewhere.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
I've upgraded my review.,
By
This review is from: The Last Mortal Generation: How Science Will Alter Our Lives in the 21st Century (Paperback)
I have to be honest. My last review was too harsh. I've read half the book again (a couple of times). In fact the first two chapters have been such a good resource that the book is worth it, just for them alone. Broderick has drawn together a lot of information about a huge topic. It's as up to date as any book can be on the big medical breakthroughs against aging. In a nutshell, this is an enormous topic. My expectations were probably unreasonably high on the first read. The fact that I read it (or half of it) again says a lot. Broderick is one of the very few who are writing on the profound possibility of medical 'immortality'. He's obviously read almost all the significant science books on every topic that have come out in the last decade (he's a book-reviewer for a major paper). So he has a very broad knowledge-base to draw on, unlike a medical specialist. I haven't read a better summary of the pace of medicine and the logical next step. The middle chapters on neuroscience, consciousness, quantum theory and cosmology didn't grab me. But that's probably my failure of interest with the topics rather than a reflection on Broderick's writing. They are a bit of a long bow to draw from the title (and I'm transfixed by the possiblity of immortality for humankind, so it would be hard for any topic not be a let down after the first half of the book.) I got a lot out of this book. I would've given it four stars if the middle chapters didn't seem so unconnected with the title. My previous review was accurate but unfairly balanced. (I'm feeling a bit sheepish). Actually, I wouldn't mind meeting the author. (Aww. Unlikely after my first review). I'd bet he'd be a great conversationalist to have at a dinner party. I wish someone else who'd read this book would comment on it!
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enter with Optimism,
By Andrew Dabovich (Port Douglas, FNQ Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Last Mortal Generation: How Science Will Alter Our Lives in the 21st Century (Paperback)
Loved it! I'm more involved in the IT industry than microbiology, genetic modification or Quantum physics. The concepts of human, mechanical and computer integration blew my hair back. The book has sparked my interest in these areas and I am now constantly keeping myself up to date on related subjects and developments. The concepts discussed are about to become hard cold facts splashing humanity in the face and waking us up to the endless possibilities that lay within the post generation X, being the true instigators of a brave new world. Weather your opinion is for or against it's a good read. Keep in mind that throughout the history of mankind, "If it can be done, it will be done". (I recommend you read it more than once)
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