I found this book, Sapiens to be truly fascinating, full of introspective thinking that caused me to think a lot about the origins of the human species, Homo sapiens. The book points out over history, that at least six human species inhabited the earth, and then goes about to try to explain how we, Homo sapiens, outlasted and out survived them all, even, sometimes, interbreeding at some point with especially the Neanderthals before they went extinct.
I like these kind of books, because are not overly scientific, and overly heavy on details, but they tell a story and a great narrative that is easy to follow, and easy to visualize.
I studied sociology when I was back at the University, with of course, a lot of courses pertaining to human behavior, and early human history. So I’ve always been fascinated by this kind of thing, and of course, scientists are always uncovering new aspects and new theories, but that’s the nature of science, as we continue to uncover lost civilizations, and lost settlements and encampments were humans once lived.
This book also goes into why we “behave the way we behave” and a lot of that is due to nature and nurture, our survival instincts, and as our brains developed along the way, we were able to start to envision a “higher being”, and started to develop religions, philosophies, morals and values as well.
A great book, you’ll really enjoy this one.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
