Synopses & Reviews
In this new, revised edition of his landmark book, Montagu compels us to reevaluate the way we think about growth and development, in all its phases, throughout life. Humans are designed to grow and develop their childlike qualities, and not to become the ossified adults prescribed by society. Montagu demonstrates how our culture, schools, and families are in conspiracy against such childlike traits as the need to love, to learn, to wonder, to know, to explore, to think, to experiment, to be imaginative, creative and curious, to sing, dance, or play. He also reveals the many links between physical and mental aging and tells how to prevent psychosclerosis, the hardening of the mind, so that we can die young--as late as possible. The best statement ever written on the most important, neglected theme of human life and evolution.
Stephen Jay Gould, Harvard UniversityIn this new, revised edition of his landmark book, Montagu compels us to reevaluate the way we think about growth and development, in all its phases, throughout life. Humans are designed to grow and develop their childlike qualities, and not to become the ossified adults prescribed by society. Montagu demonstrates how our culture, schools, and families are in conspiracy against such childlike traits as the need to love, to learn, to wonder, to know, to explore, to think, to experiment, to be imaginative, creative and curious, to sing, dance, or play. He also reveals the many links between physical and mental aging and tells how to prevent psychosclerosis, the hardening of the mind, so that we can die young--as late as possible.
Review
Informative and entertainingLibrary Journal
Review
Very readable. . . . The author . . . presents a stimulating text on making the grownup years more rewarding.Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
"The best statement ever written on the most important, neglected theme of human life and evolution." Stephen Jay Gould, Harvard University
About the Author
ASHLEY MONTAGU is an Anthropologist who has taught at Harvard, Princeton, University of California, and New York University.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
Noeteny and Human Biological Evolution
The Evolution of Human Behavior
Advantages of Immaturity: A Womb with a View
The Child
The Neotenous Traits of the Child
Those Whom the Gods Love
Import
Appendix: The History of Neoteny
Index