Anthony, After reading 3 chapters here, I have to say that the views presented seem very biased. For example; - both the Neanderthal and the Cro-magnon had larger brains than we do - that the flea and the alligator and others have been around longer than we have and have remained virtually unchanged throughout is not an argument for their greater evolutionary success, but rather it is an argument for their succeeding through stagnation - the fact that mankind has been around, in terms of the universe's existence, for a very short time is not an argument against his superiority any more than it is an argument for it. The fact that we can make the argument at all is the argument. - chimps wage war, punish offenders for breaking taboos, commit murder and cannibalism - being unaware that time 'exists' is entirely different from time existing or not existing - it wasn't until about 1927 that anyone knew other galaxies existed, but they existed just the same - animals do not 'sin', not because they don't do everything that we do, but because they do not possess consciousness and self-awareness (apes who have been taught sign language never refer to themselves as 'I' but rather by the name humans have given them) - to speak of a 'recall gene' is crudely materialistic - after 2500 years of philosophy and, more recently, scientific study, it has yet to be shown what the brain / mind interface is, how it functions, to say nothing of consciousness, memory, fantasy, dreams... I haven't read chapters 4-8 yet, but I suspect that the ground on which your argument stands is insubstantial - you may demonstrate me to be wrong - but I suspect a much stronger case can be made for the existence of vocal chords in the human throat that thereby enable language, communication, naming, ordering, arranging; in short, memory and sense of self. Because there aren't many books on Authonomy like this and I enjoy this sort of thing, I am going to back your book. David Toccata and Fugue (a different kind of book)

This is potentially very interesting. You clearly have done your research, and developed some interesting theories. But as a book, so far (I've only read chapters one and two) I think it needs work to make it reader-friendly to a layman. The best science books for the general reader work because they are easy to read while putting across big ideas. At the moment I feel your text is a bit tortuous, and slow to get going. You make a quite simple point about the brevity of man's existence on earth seem very long winded, and you spend a lot of effort refuting a view that man is at the centre of the world which hasn't really been believed by serious scientists for a very long time. I was desperate for an early hint of what your pitch implies is the main theme of the book - the unique nature of man's recall and the impact that has had on his behaviour. I still haven't had a hint of it. Having said that, you say this is very much of a first draft, and I feel you may well have something here .But personally I just think it just needs to cleaner, simpler to read, and to move on more quickly. I will come back to this though, and will be very interested to see how your text develops. Sorry to be a bit downbeat,but I do think this has a great deal of potential..

Hi Anthony, Great book title ... caught me as soon as I saw it! Your writing is excellent. I've read all of Chapter 1 ... Although it was necessary to put on my "thinking cap", this book is written for the layman to understand. I did pull out my dictionary for a few words & was pleased to find a photo of a hominid footprint online since the book's photo couldn't be uploaded. Afraid you lost me with time didn't exist but I did continue reading. Even though I don't believe in the Darwin Theory, (and I'm not sure from reading this you do either-at least not wholly) I found, what I could understand, interesting. It is undoubtably difficult to understand. I think, however, you've written it with that in mind! Well done! Good Luck! Lots of stars! Jane

This is, indeed, a very erudite and esoteric discussion of evolution from a totally new perspective - that of the "recall gene." The author approaches his topic knowledgeably and with ingenious insight. This book is a scholarly, fresh, clever way of approaching mankind's position in the scheme of life and in the universe. To quote the author: "For human characteristics - of good or of evil- are uniquely human." The author then proceeds to support his argument with remarkably penetrating insight into such phenomena as the Cambrian explosion. While I do not agree with all of the author's conclusions, I do respect his brilliant, perceptive discussion and am truly amazed at the extent and scope of his knowledge. This is a very learned man and one from whom anyone, regardless of belief or position, can learn. I highly recommend this studious, contemplative work and hope that the author is soon successful in finding a publisher for his remarkable book. Best wishes and many stars. Pat