Review of Planet Ocean
1 posts
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Planet Ocean" by Michel Odent.]
All writeups on evolution seem to focus on the possible relationship and connection between man and his environment, mainly land. The connection the ocean may have with the evolution of man appears to be relegated to the background, if not wholly ignored.
Planet Ocean by Michael Odent is a book that explores the rare connection between man, his evolution, and water. Just as the title indicates, it focuses on the possible connection man has with water, which may have been lost by cultural conditioning and the over-emphasis on paleoanthropology, leading to shortsightedness. The author tries to make up for the oversight and reveal the striking, surprising similarities homos have with sea mammals.
Michael Odent employs interdisciplinarity as he cuts across various aspects of life to make solid his point. He focuses on the best friends of man both on land and water, the nutritional needs of the human brain, childbirth process in bathing pools, amongst others.
This book has positive aspects. Firstly, I appreciate the effort made by the author to summarize the chapters in the abstracts. Through this, the author is able to narrow the expectations the readers should have of each chapter before the commencement of the book. Secondly, the author raises questions at every point in the book, right from the beginning of the text to the very end. This engages the mind of the readers. The readers may find themselves keeping these questions at the back of their minds while reading. This enables them to find answers without much obstruction.
Thirdly, indeed an interdisciplinary student, the author cuts across different disciplines to enable the reader to understand the connection he is trying to establish. This shows a gradual build-up. Fourthly, the explanatory method the author uses not only showcases the book as an expository text but also lays the foundation for further probe into underwater paleoanthropology.
Also, considering the fact that the author is looking into an uncommon analysis of human evolution and adaptation, the tone of the book is not imposing; neither is it disparaging of contrary opinions or the fascination most seem to have with fossil gathering. It is merely suggestive and persuasive.
The book has some negative aspects. There were errors in this book, especially punctuation errors. This evidences the unprofessional editing of this text. Also, I feel the author did not make an effort to break down the whole concept. Yes, he did cut across various aspects, yet much of this was still in a lump. Most readers like me are not well inclined with evolution theories and scientific jargon. So, we would base our understanding on contextual interpretation. This greatly impedes understanding. I believe simpler explanations and illustrations would have gone a long way in correcting the flaw unless the author intended the book to be available to a very restricted audience.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars after considering both the positive and negative aspects. I recommend this educative read to people who enjoy scientific texts that trace man’s history.
******
Planet Ocean
View: on Bookshelves
All writeups on evolution seem to focus on the possible relationship and connection between man and his environment, mainly land. The connection the ocean may have with the evolution of man appears to be relegated to the background, if not wholly ignored.
Planet Ocean by Michael Odent is a book that explores the rare connection between man, his evolution, and water. Just as the title indicates, it focuses on the possible connection man has with water, which may have been lost by cultural conditioning and the over-emphasis on paleoanthropology, leading to shortsightedness. The author tries to make up for the oversight and reveal the striking, surprising similarities homos have with sea mammals.
Michael Odent employs interdisciplinarity as he cuts across various aspects of life to make solid his point. He focuses on the best friends of man both on land and water, the nutritional needs of the human brain, childbirth process in bathing pools, amongst others.
This book has positive aspects. Firstly, I appreciate the effort made by the author to summarize the chapters in the abstracts. Through this, the author is able to narrow the expectations the readers should have of each chapter before the commencement of the book. Secondly, the author raises questions at every point in the book, right from the beginning of the text to the very end. This engages the mind of the readers. The readers may find themselves keeping these questions at the back of their minds while reading. This enables them to find answers without much obstruction.
Thirdly, indeed an interdisciplinary student, the author cuts across different disciplines to enable the reader to understand the connection he is trying to establish. This shows a gradual build-up. Fourthly, the explanatory method the author uses not only showcases the book as an expository text but also lays the foundation for further probe into underwater paleoanthropology.
Also, considering the fact that the author is looking into an uncommon analysis of human evolution and adaptation, the tone of the book is not imposing; neither is it disparaging of contrary opinions or the fascination most seem to have with fossil gathering. It is merely suggestive and persuasive.
The book has some negative aspects. There were errors in this book, especially punctuation errors. This evidences the unprofessional editing of this text. Also, I feel the author did not make an effort to break down the whole concept. Yes, he did cut across various aspects, yet much of this was still in a lump. Most readers like me are not well inclined with evolution theories and scientific jargon. So, we would base our understanding on contextual interpretation. This greatly impedes understanding. I believe simpler explanations and illustrations would have gone a long way in correcting the flaw unless the author intended the book to be available to a very restricted audience.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars after considering both the positive and negative aspects. I recommend this educative read to people who enjoy scientific texts that trace man’s history.
******
Planet Ocean
View: on Bookshelves
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