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Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined—and Redefined—Nature Kindle Edition

by Beth Shapiro (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 106 ratings
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From the first dog to the first beefalo, from farming to CRISPR, the human history of remaking nature
 
When the 2020 Nobel Prize was awarded to the inventors of CRISPR, the revolutionary gene-editing tool, it underlined our amazing and apparently novel powers to alter nature. But as biologist Beth Shapiro argues in Life as We Made It, this phenomenon isn’t new. Humans have been reshaping the world around us for ages, from early dogs to modern bacteria modified to pump out insulin. Indeed, she claims, reshaping nature—resetting the course of evolution, ours and others’—is the essence of what our species does.
 
In exploring our evolutionary and cultural history, Shapiro finds a course for the future. If we have always been changing nature to help us survive and thrive, then we need to avoid naive arguments about how we might destroy it with our meddling, and instead ask how we can meddle better.
 
Brilliant and insightful, Life as We Made It is an essential book for the decades to come.
 
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  1. Print length
    353 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Basic Books
  4. Publication date
    October 19, 2021
  5. File size
    2270 KB
  6. Page Flip
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A brilliant combination of science, natural history, and first-person experience, Life as We Made It shows how our species has been manipulating nature for nearly as long as we’ve been around. Anyone who wants to better understand the future of life - human and otherwise - should read this book.”

―Jennifer Doudna, winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

“Shapiro takes readers on a succinct and compelling journey through historical events, inventions, and decisions that have forever changed the course of life on Earth… In what is perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Life as We Made It, Shapiro clearly articulates key questions whose answers will define how we think about and use the power we now yield.”―Science

“Shapiro’s point, throughout the book, is that we’ve always meddled with nature; the answer is not to stop meddling, but to meddle better… With this clear-eyed account of its humanitarian potential, Shapiro has done the field a great service.”
 ―Nature

“In her thoughtful and entertaining Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined—and Redefined—Nature, Beth Shapiro argues that humankind’s profound and protracted interventions have blurred the distinction between the natural and artificial worlds.”
 ―Wall Street Journal

“A detailed exploration of some of the most influential technologies of our time. It also offers a tantalising glimpse of what might be in store in the future, when humanity starts to mix things up all over again.”―The New Scientist

“Humans are a force of nature. This paradoxical thought is the glue that holds Life as We Made It together. But it is not the environment changing effects of human activity on land, sea and air that intrigue Beth Shapiro—or not directly. Instead, she looks at how people have altered living organisms themselves, exerting an evolutionary pressure on other species… In an age when ‘technology’ has become synonymous with the information kind, it is worth being reminded that other sorts are available. And with one of them people can, if they so choose, remake themselves.”
 ―The Economist

“Life as We Made It presents a compelling vision that encourages us to be more open-minded.”
 ―New Statesman

“For anyone curious about the past, present and future of human interference in nature, Life as We Made It offers a compelling survey of the possibilities and pitfalls. Shapiro is an engaging, clear-eyed guide, leading readers through the technical tangles and ethical thickets of this not-so-new frontier. Along the way, the book glitters with lively, humorous vignettes from Shapiro’s career in ancient DNA research. Her tales are often rife with awe.”
 ―Science News

"Unmissable."―Reaction

“[a] fun-filled survey...Shapiro’s anecdotes are full of energy...Perfect for fans of Mary Roach, this is science writing with much to savor."―Publishers Weekly

“The scientific study of ancient DNA preserved in extinct species and the possibility of de extinction make for truly fascinating reading. Employing just the right amount of paleontology, history, genomics, and archaeology, Shapiro warns that we stand on the precipice of fashioning a new, unnatural nature. The risk of messing up the future of other species and even the planet itself looms large.”
 ―Booklist

“For the past two decades, Beth Shapiro has pioneered using ancient DNA to understand the diversity of life. In Life as We Made It, her twin passions for cutting-edge science and natural history leap from every page. This book will entertain and challenge you to think in new ways about our role in the future of life on Earth.”

―Neil Shubin, evolutionary biologist and author of Your Inner Fish

“In this brilliant new book, biologist Beth Shapiro tells the incredible story of how we’re remaking much of nature and lays out a thoughtful path for how we can survive and thrive by learning to more wisely apply our god-like powers.” ―Jamie Metzl, author of Hacking Darwin

“Shapiro chronicles the many ways humans have influenced the evolutionary trajectories of other species, from prehistory through the present day. Tools like CRISPR are just the latest way we have shaped the life on this planet. She effectively makes the case that our use of evolution as a tool is ethically acceptable, if done carefully and with informed consent.”―Emma Marris, author of Wild Souls

About the Author

Beth Shapiro is a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where her work has centered on the analysis of ancient DNA. The author of How to Clone a Mammoth, which won the AAAS science writing award, she lives in Santa Cruz, California.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08W4ZK8BY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books (October 19, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 19, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2270 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 353 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1541644182
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 106 ratings

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Beth Shapiro

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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Customers find the book's science content interesting and well-written. They appreciate the author's thoughtful approach to genetic engineering and evolutionary biology, as well as his ability to provide technical details in a clear manner. Overall, readers consider the book readable and engaging.

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Customers find the science content in the book interesting and well-written. They appreciate the thoughtful look at the future of genetic engineering and evolutionary biology.

"...makes the case for the further development and application of sophisticated genetic techniques...." Read more

"Good science. Fantastic look into evolutionary biology. Very thoughtful look at future of genetic engineering...." Read more

"Fascinating and well-written..." Read more

"Science for the general reader..." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and readable. The author covers technical details effectively.

"...The book is of wide interest and is very engagingly written and makes a compelling case for the further development of genetic techniques to benefit..." Read more

"...The author does a great job of getting into some of the technical details of the science while still offering a book that's relatively easy to..." Read more

"Well written and thoroughly researched - highly recommended." Read more

"Great authorship. Totally readable..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Blackbird
    5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent primer on how humans have been manipulating life for centuries
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2023
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    In this book, Beth Shapiro takes us on a whirlwind tour of the history of humans' manipulation of other forms of life to change their characteristics for our benefit. She starts way, way back in time and proceeds to the current active research programs in synthetic biology and makes the case for the further development and application of sophisticated genetic techniques.

    The book is a bit quick in parts and more details of the history of her chosen examples of attempts to modify plants and animals would have been appreciated, but she takes a broad view temporally and taxonomically to show us that current efforts to modify organisms is nothing new and that it's mainly the techniques that have changed.

    I thought that her treatment of domestic animals, especially of cows to increase milk production and cattle to increase the efficiency of meat production, were too conservative and that those questions could have been broadened out to include whether, as adult primates, we should drink cow's milk, and whether it makes sense, ecologically and physiologically, to eat beef. As an alternative, why not propose using synthetic biology to develop a new variety of wheat or other grain that provides higher concentrations of amino acids that are otherwise lacking? She acknowledges the intensive inputs needed to sustain enormous populations of dairy cows and cattle - why not use synthetic biology to help to reduce these?

    The book is of wide interest and is very engagingly written and makes a compelling case for the further development of genetic techniques to benefit mankind. Recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bruce Comfort
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great authorship. Totally readable
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2024
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    Good science. Fantastic look into evolutionary biology. Very thoughtful look at future of genetic engineering. Makes the nay-sayers look like fools, but with some thoughtful cautions. Some caution to potential readers. You should be already versed in biological disciplines or some hard genetics will wiz over your head. Thank you to the FSU biology department. GO NOLES!!
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  • Jackieb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great science. Missing reality.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
    Other reviewers have rightly described the great history, science and potential well presented in this book and my 4 stars is in recognition of that.

    What is missing is the social, political, economic, and environmental milieu in which this great work is taking place. The author describes what genetic engineering has been and could be used for and how it could improve our lives, our very survival. Yet the most impactful use so far of genetic engineering is to improve the profits of giant corporations, not to improve our lives. Herbicide resistance has led to super weeds and more deadly herbicides being used on crops that do not improve health of people - that are fed to animals that pollute our ground water and provide us with too much unhealthy fats. And it is part of the problem with the degradation of soils. Patented seeds have allowed a few large corporations to control the supply of seeds reaping large profits not only on the seeds but on the herbicides. Our diets have not improved. The environment has been even more degraded. We are in an arms war with Mother Nature. We are losing.

    With wealth so concentrated, what is to prevent billionaires using genetic engineering on their offspring to ensure their advantage? Why would we think ordinary people would have access when we can't provide access to healthcare?

    If we can solve our political and economic problems so that experts and ordinary people can guide its development, genetic engineering has wonderful potential. So far, the primary beneficiary has been profits.

    Perhaps I shouldn't criticize for what the author doesn't cover - but to advocate for a technology, it is important to know not only how it can be used, but how it is and will be used.
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  • Mario Daly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and well-written
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021
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    A really great book that covers a topic that has shaped humanity and the world we live in, and which will only become more important in years to come. The author does a great job of getting into some of the technical details of the science while still offering a book that's relatively easy to understand even for those of us who don't have a background in these subjects.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Anita
    5.0 out of 5 stars Science for the general reader
    Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2022
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    While the author covers complex scientific issues, the book is written for anyone who had had a high school science class and knows what DNA is. It is interesting and clear as a history of what has happened. The future of genetic engineering is covered in a way that can be understood by the educated general reader. This is a valuable book for anyone wanting to figure out what is known about evolution and where we have come from.
    One person found this helpful
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  • MDW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2021
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    Well written and thoroughly researched - highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Pepper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Shapiro is good
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2021
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    The Carl Sagan of molecular genomics.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • CV
    5.0 out of 5 stars That title though!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2021
    This book arrived on time and in good condition.

    But that is obviously not the only reason this book by Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator/Professor, MacArthur Fellow, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor at the University of California Santa Cruz (one of the top 5 UC campuses!) Beth Shapiro clearly deserves 5 stars.

    The title alone is fantastic. Really draws you into the premise of the book - how we as humans have shaped nature around us for - like - ever! Fascinating.

    The pacing of the book, especially the first third of it, is great. No weird detour into horse evolutionary history to distract you. And why would there even be a chapter on horses? It's not clear!

    The only thing missing from this book, as well as Shapiro's last award winning book "How not to clone a Mammoth", is a chapter dedicated to caves. Given their central role in shaping evolution, it is a surprising omission... again. But I can rest assured that Shapiro's rumored third book "Finally Caving In: Here is your @#$%* book on caves!" will address that.

    Overall this is a strong recommendation from someone that has read books before. Several books in fact. Most of them without pictures in them.
    11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Mariana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Llegó rápido
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 9, 2023
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    Llegó en menos días de los estipulados, pero la portada está un poco sucia.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Trust Science
    Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2021
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    Humans through science are now ready to impact life in a more systematic and profound manner. This book tells us how this could be done and provides an honest spin on how the scientific process works. Risky may be but we have no choice but make it work for the benefit of future generations.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stimulating read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2024
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    Thought provoking
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