From Bacteria to Bach and Back

In 'From Bacteria to Bach and Back', philosopher Daniel Dennett takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of consciousness and culture, weaving together science and philosophy. He proposes that human thought and creativity are the result of natural selection, tracing our cognitive roots back to the simplest forms of life. With compelling arguments, Dennett explores how complex ideas, from music to morality, emerged from primal origins. This thought-provoking exploration challenges the very essence of what it means to be human. Prepare to rethink your understanding of mind, culture, and the evolutionary tapestry that connects us all.

By Daniel C. Dennett, Daniel Clement Dennett

Published: 2017

From Bacteria to Bach and BackBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

CosmosBook binding

Cosmos

Carl Sagan

A Brief History of TimeBook binding

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking

Super PumpedBook binding

Super Pumped

Mike Isaac

Why Buddhism is TrueBook binding

Why Buddhism is True

Robert Wright

ConsciousBook binding

Conscious

Annaka Harris

Dancing Wu Li MastersBook binding

Dancing Wu Li Masters

Gary Zukav

SymmetryBook binding

Symmetry

Hermann Weyl

The Fabric of RealityBook binding

The Fabric of Reality

David Deutsch

The Natural History of ReligionBook binding

The Natural History of Religion

David Hume

Darwin's Dangerous IdeaBook binding

Darwin's Dangerous Idea

Daniel C. Dennett

The Day of the JackalBook binding

The Day of the Jackal

Frederick Forsyth

Play It As It LaysBook binding

Play It As It Lays

Joan Didion

A Philosophy of WalkingBook binding

A Philosophy of Walking

Frederic Gros

The PrinceBook binding

The Prince

Niccolò Machiavelli

The Crime of ReasonBook binding

The Crime of Reason

Robert B. Laughlin

Absence of MindBook binding

Absence of Mind

Marilynne Robinson

Stubborn AttachmentsBook binding

Stubborn Attachments

Tyler Cowen

Coming of Age in the Milky WayBook binding

Coming of Age in the Milky Way

Timothy Ferris

FablesBook binding

Fables

Bill Willingham, Lan Medina, Mark Buckingham

The Mind-Body ProblemBook binding

The Mind-Body Problem

Jonathan Westphal

The Ultimate Quotable EinsteinBook binding

The Ultimate Quotable Einstein

Albert Einstein

Confessions of a PhilosopherBook binding

Confessions of a Philosopher

Bryan Magee

American CaesarBook binding

American Caesar

William Manchester

36 Arguments for the Existence of GodBook binding

36 Arguments for the Existence of God

Rebecca Goldstein

Dreams of a Final TheoryBook binding

Dreams of a Final Theory

Steven Weinberg

History of Western PhilosophyBook binding

History of Western Philosophy

Bertrand Russell

The Origins and History of ConsciousnessBook binding

The Origins and History of Consciousness

Erich Neumann

My Name Is Asher LevBook binding

My Name Is Asher Lev

Chaim Potok

Eating Viet NamBook binding

Eating Viet Nam

Graham Holliday

The Meaning of Human ExistenceBook binding

The Meaning of Human Existence

Edward O. Wilson

Book Collections you might like →

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.

View Collection
Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman is a renowned neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford University, where he leads the Huberman Lab, focusing on brain function, behavior, and health. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of neural plasticity, particularly how the brain can change in response to experience and injury. Huberman is widely recognized for his engaging public science communication, which includes the popular "Huberman Lab" podcast that translates complex neuroscience topics into accessible insights for broad audiences. His research has been published in leading scientific journals, earning him numerous accolades and fostering a deeper public appreciation for neuroscience. Additionally, his work extends into practical applications, influencing fields such as mental health, vision restoration, and performance optimization.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

View Collection
Bryan Johnson's Book Recommendations

Bryan Johnson's Book Recommendations

Bryan Johnson is an American entrepreneur, investor, and futurist, best known for founding Braintree, a payments company that was acquired by PayPal, and Kernel, a company focused on developing brain-computer interfaces. Johnson is deeply interested in advancing human cognition and longevity through technological innovation. His work at Kernel seeks to better understand the brain and its potential to enhance human intelligence. He is also the founder of OS Fund, which invests in companies tackling complex, world-changing problems in areas like health and energy. Johnson is a strong advocate for using technology to extend human potential and reshape the future of humanity.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
David Deutsch's Book Recommendations

David Deutsch's Book Recommendations

David Deutsch is a British physicist and philosopher, widely known for his contributions to quantum mechanics, particularly in the area of quantum computation. He is the author of The Fabric of Reality and The Beginning of Infinity, where he explores the nature of knowledge, progress, and the future of human civilization. Deutsch’s work in quantum computing laid the groundwork for the development of quantum algorithms, positioning him as a pioneer in this emerging field. He is a proponent of the multiverse theory and has offered profound insights into the nature of reality, science, and human potential. Deutsch’s philosophical work emphasizes the power of reason and creativity in solving problems and expanding human understanding. His ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of theoretical physics and epistemology, making him a leading thinker on the future of science and technology. He continues to inspire both scientists and lay readers with his optimistic vision of a world shaped by knowledge and innovation.

View Collection
David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair is an Australian biologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, known for his pioneering research in the field of aging and longevity. Sinclair's work focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that drive aging and developing interventions to slow or reverse the process. His bestselling book Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To explores the latest advancements in anti-aging science and offers insights into how humans might extend their healthspan. Sinclair's research has led to breakthroughs in areas such as sirtuins, NAD+ metabolism, and cellular reprogramming. He is also the co-founder of several biotech companies, including Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and Life Biosciences, dedicated to translating aging research into practical treatments. Sinclair is a vocal advocate for taking a proactive approach to aging, promoting lifestyle changes and emerging therapies to delay age-related diseases. His work has made him a leading figure in the longevity movement, influencing both scientific and public discourse on the future of health.

View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

View Collection
Brian Cox's Book Recommendations

Brian Cox's Book Recommendations

Brian Cox is a Scottish actor and director, best known for his roles in films like Braveheart and Adaptation, as well as for his portrayal of media mogul Logan Roy in the hit HBO series Succession. Cox is renowned for his commanding screen presence and his ability to convey complex, often morally ambiguous characters. He has had a distinguished career in both film and theater, earning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for his performance in Succession. In addition to his acting work, Cox is a vocal advocate for arts education and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. His longevity and versatility have made him a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Charles Koch's Book Recommendations

Charles Koch's Book Recommendations

Charles Koch is an American businessman and philanthropist, best known as the Chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world. Beyond his business acumen, Koch has made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the field of economics and management. His book "The Science of Success" outlines his philosophy of Market-Based Management, a framework for business success that has influenced many entrepreneurs. Additionally, his co-authored work "Good Profit" delves into creating value for society through principled entrepreneurship. Koch's writings emphasize the importance of innovation, free markets, and a principled approach to business.

View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions