The Ascent of Man
In 'The Ascent of Man,' Jacob Bronowski takes readers on an intellectual journey that explores the intertwined evolution of humanity and science. Through vivid historical anecdotes and philosophical insights, he examines how human creativity has shaped the world. The book captures key moments in science, art, and culture, showcasing our capacity for innovation and understanding. Bronowski challenges us to reflect on our achievements and responsibilities as a species. This thought-provoking narrative leaves readers questioning what lies ahead in our ascent.
By Jacob Bronowski
Published: 2011
"The ascent of man represents not merely a journey of progress in knowledge and technology, but a profound exploration of the human spirit, as we strive to understand our place in the universe."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
A new paperback edition of Dr. Bronowski's classic history of humankind, with a foreword by Richard Dawkins Dr. Jacob Bronowksi's classic traces the development of human society through our understanding of science. First published in 1973 to accompany the groundbreaking BBC television series, it is considered one of the first works of "popular science," illuminating the historical and social context of scientific development for a generation of readers. In his highly accessible style, Dr. Bronowski discusses human invention from the flint tool to geometry, agriculture to genetics, and from alchemy to the theory of relativity, showing how they all are expressions of our ability to understand and control nature. In this new paperback edition, The Ascent of Man inspires, influences, and informs as profoundly as ever.
About the Author
Jacob Bronowski
Jacob Bronowski (1908-1974) was a renowned British polymath, mathematician, and science historian, best known for his influential works that bridge the gap between science and the humanities. His most notable works include 'The Ascent of Man', a groundbreaking television series and book that explores the history of human scientific achievement, and 'The Identity of Man', which delves into the philosophical implications of science on the human experience. Bronowski's writing style is characterized by its eloquence and accessibility, often intertwining scientific concepts with philosophical reflections, making complex ideas comprehensible to a general audience. His ability to weave narrative with rigorous thought has made a lasting impact in both literary and scientific circles.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Jacob Bronowski
- Published
- January 2011
- Publisher
- Random House
- ISBN
- 1849901155
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 354
- Genres
- Philosophy of MindPhilosophyHistoryCultural HistoryHistory of ScienceScience and Nature
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Sapiens
Yuval Noah Harari
The Money Class
Suze Orman
Cosmos
Carl Sagan
A Brief History of Time
Stephen Hawking
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith
Blood Meridian
Cormac McCarthy
A History of the Wife
Marilyn Yalom
Handbook of Social Psychology, Volume 1
Susan T. Fiske, Daniel T. Gilbert, Gardner Lindzey
Showing 8 of 29 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations
Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.
View Collection
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
Brian Earp's Book Recommendations
Brian Earp is a distinguished ethicist and interdisciplinary researcher, renowned for his extensive work in medical ethics, philosophy, and psychology. He serves as the Associate Director of the Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy at Yale University. Earp has co-authored several influential books, including "Love Drugs: The Chemical Future of Relationships," which explores the ethical implications of using pharmaceuticals to enhance romantic relationships. His scholarly articles have been widely published in leading academic journals, making significant contributions to debates on bioethics, sexuality, and human enhancement. Earp is also recognized for his engaging public outreach, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and public discourse.
View Collection
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
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations
Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
View Collection
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
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 11 related collections
“The ascent of man represents not merely a journey of progress in knowledge and technology, but a profound exploration of the human spirit, as we strive to understand our place in the universe.”
The Ascent of Man
By Jacob Bronowski
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
