Book Description

Who has never wondered why people behave the way they do? They create glorious music, art and literature. They have uncovered the secrets of the universe and disease, yet have not been able to figure out how to get along with each other without war. The Human Dilemmasets out to find out why. It describes how humans evolved, how their wonderful brains work, and what they are like when they are born. The author explores the reasons individuals grow up with different personalities, depending on the societies in which they mature, from hunter-gatherers in Africa to industrial Americans. She then turns to relationships between the sexes, the temptations of power, and why religious differences lead to violence. The Human Dilemma explains, in simple, readable language, how human nature, customs and beliefs interfere with mankind's ability to resolve the overwhelming problems facing the world today. Violent conflicts between cultures have become more volatile over the years. Many believe it is man's nature to fight, yet ancient civilizations like Crete were peaceful and everyone was treated equally, women as well as men. The same is true of two hunting gathering tribes in Africa that have followed the same way of life for thousands of years. Perhaps it is just as human to cooperate peacefully in solving problems as it is to fight over them, and just as human to see our fellows as equal instead of superior or inferior. Why then do men regard women as inferior in so many societies? And why do so many nations plunge into battle, especially since the invention of nuclear bombs makes it possible to wipe out our entire species? The newest peril is global warming, caused by the spewing of carbon into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, which may eventually change our climate back to the days before mankind existed. Some animals have already become extinct because they cannot adjust to warmer weather. Humans may not survive such a drastic change. Our magnificent brains are capable of inventing solutions to all the problems confronting us and entrepreneurs are eager to put these inventions into practice. Why, then, don't we do it? Is there some flaw in our nature that makes it easier to blame each other instead and find excuses for relieving our frustrations in warfare? As the author studied the sciences for answers to her questions, she became convinced that only by fully understanding our nature and the reasons why it is difficult for us to confront our problems can we hope to resolve them and continue to survive. Her conclusions are found in The Human Dilemma. "An original and thought-provoking book which will appeal to a very wide audience." -Richard Edelman, Psychoanalyst "In her wonderfully wide-ranging exploration of human nature, Barbara Larsen has distilled her research into a lucid and absolutely fascinating book." -Richard Edelman, Psychoanalyst "The writer's style is open and exploratory, warmly self-sharing, and it is an enjoyable as well as a searching and provocative learning experience." -Saul L. Brown, Emeritus Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA "Larsen skillfully weaves together current theory and research from an impressive variety of sources." -Arthur A. Dole, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Pennsylvania