Paul Shepard was an American author, environmentalist, and professor. Shepard earned his bachelor 's degree from the University of Missouri and a doctorate from Yale. He is recognized for his research on the Pleistocene. Shepard died on July 27, 1996 at the age of 71.
Shepard begins this chapter by discussing human evolution and the beginning of Homo sapiens in the Pleistocene approximately 500,000 years ago. The author continues by elaborating on our genetic change over time. He cites specific examples of this evolution: fossil evidence (Australopitucus), archaic genealogy analysis, and so on. Shepard implies that this slow evolution led to the emergence of speech and social organization.
The author transitions into …show more content…
Shepard mentions how the failure to “identify” with nature in today’s youth might be the foundation for many of their issues. The text concludes by emphasizing the importance of the non-human environment (nature) and mitigated neoteny. Similar to the required readings for week two, Shepard discusses our perception and historical connection with nature.
Shepard, P. (2013). Coming home to the Pleistocene. Island Press. “How the Mind Once Lived”
Shepard begins by discussing our foraging ancestors, similar to the concepts discussed in Getting a Genome. The author elaborates on how our way of perceiving the non-human world has developed over time. While discussing our ancestors, Shepard stresses the importance of reasoning in regards to their survival.
The growth of the mind and the development of communication are then discussed. The author challenges the idea of the “savage minded” ancestors. He transitions into their spiritual complexity and also mentions the complexities of foraging. Storytelling and ritual ceremonies are then elaborated on; these concepts help to support the author’s