Quest: The Essence of Humanity

From Homer to Star Wars humans have been driven by quest. Ever since man first walked he has sought for food and shelter, for knowledge, for wealth, and adventure. It has been the driving force behind human development, the inspiration for exploration, for discovery and for the development of great civilisations. It is in man’s very nature to seek, not just for basic needs or personal comfort, but also beyond his own requirements or those of his generation – to climb mountains because they are there, to study and experiment for the sake of knowledge, and to voyage to the moon and beyond. In this epic work Charles Pasternak traces life on earth from the most primitive cells, through ancient civilizations and the great artists, scientists, writers and explorers of the past, to the genetic engineers of today. In a thought–provoking view of the history of mankind he argues that it is not any single genetic difference, but a combination of very subtle changes that has enabled man to exercise a greater propensity for quest. It is this that has led to our domination over other species. Conversely, he argues that a weakening in the exercise of this basic instinct among the western nations will lead to a decline in their influence, relative to that of eastern populations such as those of China and India, south east Asia and Japan.

Illustrations. Foreword. Acknowledgements. 1. Prologue. Part I: Evolution: the genetic basis of quest. 2. Unity and diversity in living organisms. 3. Plants and microbes: the origin of vision. 4. Animals and man: development of human attributes. Part II: Domination: the consequences of human quest. 5. Out of Africa: exploration and expansion. 6. The ladder: adversity and achievement. 7. Civilisation1: towns and temples. 8. Civilisation 2: communication and culture. 9. Technology: war and welfare 10. Religion: belief and dogma. 11. Science: explanation and experimentation. Part III: Controversy: current quest. 12. Tinkering with genes1: GM foods. 13. Tinkering with genes 2: GM people. 14. Extinction or survival of Homo quaerens ? 15. Epilogue. Bibliography. Glossary. Index.

Charles A. Pasternak is a biochemist and founding Director of the Oxford International Biomedical Centre. His previous academic experience has included research and teaching posts at the universities of Oxford, London (St George’s Medical School), Yale and California (UCSD Medical School). While at St George’s Medical School, he was founder and Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry, which he later expanded into the Department of Cellular and Molecular Sciences. Charles Pasternak is acclaimed for his pioneering work in membrane research and is a tireless promoter of international collaboration, working with UNESCO, IUBMB and universities worldwide. He is the author of a number of books and is editor–in–chief of a scientific journal. He has recently turned his attention to communicating scientific subjects to a broader readership. Charles comes from a highly talented family. He is nephew of Boris Pasternak, author of Doctor Zhivago , and grandson of Leonid Pasternak, the Russian Impressionist painter.

"…I can recommend Quest: The Essence of Humanity...one of the most thought–provoking books to come my way for some time…" (The Sunday Telegraph., 20 July 2003) "…fluent, fast–moving…Quest is controversial…which all ambitious works like this one should be…" (New Scientist, 23 August 2003) "…I really enjoyed this book…What impressed me throughout was Parsternak’s use of science…" (M2 Best Books, 7 December 2003)