Richard Gross turns his expert eye to the psychology of human nature in a contemplative account encompassing cognition, consciousness, language, time perception, sense of mortality and human society. This book will help you to consider the unique aspects of being human and to understand the biological underpinnings for the intriguing and distinct behaviours and experiences common to human beings.

The book is enhanced throughout by:
- its logical arrangement of topics, with key questions, issues for additional focus and reflection points highlighted throughout
- useful chapter introductions and summaries to provide clarity and insight
- diagrams to help explain difficult concepts
- detailed selection of references and useful sources including works from the fields of psychology, philosophy, religion and literature

This book is essential reading for students of psychology and related disciplines as well as general readers seeking insights into one of the most enduring questions to have faced humankind throughout history.

Reviews

'Richard Gross has done an excellent job compiling all the relevant information into a "right-riveting-accessible-read." The book…combines the psychological and philosophical agreeably without bias and really makes you think about what makes us humans special. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever thought about themselves, their mind and why we do the things we do; or anyone who needs an initial outlook on human uniqueness in general.'

J Rumsby (Amazon reviewer)

Contents

1. Introduction: Quantitative or qualitative difference? 2. The genetics of being human 3. The human brain: What makes it so special? 4. Consciousness and self-consciousness 5. Cognition: Hauser's hypothesis 6. Language: Do only humans have it? 7. Memory and the perception of time 8. Fear of death and other 'facts of life' 9. Culture: The crucial feature?

Author Bio

Richard Gross