This is a provocative and well-written, but perhaps overly ambitious, essay on the history of the human race and its possible future. Krznaric, described by the publisher as a "public philosopher," examines human actions of the past and their effects on us in the present, projecting what we can expect in coming decades. Exploring the term "good ancestor" offers a way to consider possible changes that could be made to enable us to play that role. Krznaric considers the positive role of religion in the past but discounts it as a factor for the future. He also discusses the feasibility of behavioral modifications, citing some successes from the past. An example that supports his thesis is the Norway Seed Bank, a planned activity potentially providing the basis for human survival in the event of a major catastrophe. Krznaric's examples are carefully selected to support his argument, but some are overly simplistic. For example, while praising China's progress as a modern power, Krznaric seems to ignore the unfortunate downside of its often draconian actions. Considering climate change and its long-term effect on populations, Krznaric stresses the benefits of wind and solar power production as examples of policy actions that could build a good ancestor outcome for Homo sapiens. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.

--F. W. Yow, emeritus, Kenyon College

Francis W. Yow

emeritus, Kenyon College