{"title":"Daniel Lieberman","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"the-story-of-the-human-body","title":"The Story of the Human Body","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Human Body\u003c\/i\u003e by Daniel Lieberman is an illuminating exploration of how evolutionary history has shaped the current state of our bodies, and how our modern lifestyle is increasingly out of sync with our ancient anatomical and physiological makeup. This ground-breaking work of popular science asks critical questions about how and why our bodies evolved the way they have, and what this means for our health today and in the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this compelling narrative, Lieberman, a Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard, unveils the fundamental principles of evolutionary biology to explain how our hunter-gatherer ancestors lived and thrived. He presents the striking differences between those ancient lifestyles and the sedentary, processed-food-filled existence of the 21st century. From an evolutionary standpoint, it was \"normal\" for humans to walk and run between 9 to 15 kilometres each day to obtain fresh, high-fibre, unprocessed food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLieberman delves into the intricacies of early human life, highlighting activities such as nursing, making stone tools, and socialising within small communities — all normal activities for our ancestors. In contrast, he points out the myriad health issues that have emerged as humans have strayed from these natural behaviours, including conditions like asthma, diabetes, and the looming threat of overpopulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy examining the dissonance between our stone-age bodies and our modern lives, Lieberman offers insights into the health challenges we face today. He reflects on how understanding our evolutionary past can help us make more informed decisions about how to use our bodies in a healthier, more sustainable way. Through anecdotes, scientific findings, and expert analysis, the book provides a captivating look at how the strides we've made in terms of longevity and health have paradoxically been accompanied by new, modern afflictions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEndorsed by prominent voices such as Neil Shubin, author of \u003ci\u003eYour Inner Fish\u003c\/i\u003e, who describes the book as \"monumental\" and an \"epic voyage,\" and Christopher McDougall, author of \u003ci\u003eBorn to Run\u003c\/i\u003e, who calls it \"riveting, enlightening, and more than a little frightening,\" \u003ci\u003eThe Story of the Human Body\u003c\/i\u003e is a thought-provoking read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLieberman, Chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard, is a leader in his field with nearly 100 articles published in prestigious journals like \u003ci\u003eNature\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eScience\u003c\/i\u003e. His research, including a notable cover story in \u003ci\u003eNature\u003c\/i\u003e on barefoot running, has been spotlighted by global media outlets such as The New York Times, Boston Globe, Discover, and National Geographic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins of the human body, the consequence of modern living on our health, and the potential future of our species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45658333741292,"sku":"9780141399959","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141399959.jpg?v=1724851813"},{"product_id":"exercised","title":"Exercised","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eExercised\u003c\/i\u003e, Daniel Lieberman dives deep into the heart of our modern attitudes towards exercise, scrutinising the reasons behind our often conflicted relationship with physical activity. Through an engaging narrative backed by years of evolutionary biology and anthropology research, Lieberman challenges the conventional wisdom about why we exercise and how we do it. His insights reveal a startling truth: humans are not naturally inclined to engage in voluntary exercise purely for fitness. Instead, our ancestors engaged in moderate, necessary physical exertion as a part of daily survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn industrialised nations, the rapid shift to sedentary lifestyles has led to an alarming rise in obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes. Commonly, the prescribed antidote is regular exercise. However, many of us grapple with integrating fitness routines into our busy lives, often falling prey to myths, misconceptions, and societal pressures that breed anxiety and finger-pointing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eExercised\u003c\/i\u003e stands out as a ground-breaking work by a preeminent scholar. Lieberman eloquently deconstructs the myth that we are biologically programmed for sustained, intense physical activities like marathons or rigorous gym sessions. He argues that our bodies are optimized for natural, everyday movements that were vital for our ancestors’ survival, not modern feats of extreme fitness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLeveraging more than a decade of pioneering scientific research, Lieberman meticulously explains how exercise can indeed enhance health, but only when approached correctly. He dispels prevalent myths about sitting, speed, strength, and endurance. For instance, he addresses the often demonised act of sitting, elucidating how it, in moderation, is not as detrimental as popularly believed. Lieberman also covers the benefits and appropriate levels of various forms of exercise, offering a balanced viewpoint that encourages sustainable and enjoyable physical activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eExercised\u003c\/i\u003e skilfully navigates through complex scientific data and presents it in an accessible manner, making it a must-read for anyone looking to understand the true nature of human physical activity and how to cultivate a healthier lifestyle without guilt or undue stress. The book is a valuable resource that guides readers towards a more informed and harmonious approach to physical fitness in today’s fast-paced world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45691854520556,"sku":"9780141986364","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141986364.jpg?v=1725549367"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/daniel-lieberman.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}