Beast or angel? Choices that make us human

by René Dubos

English, French (translation)

226 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

René Jules Dubos was an American microbiologist, experimental pathologist, environmentalist, and humanist. He is credited as an author of the maxim, "Think globally, act locally".

Reviews

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

a couple of gems hidden in very dry narrative

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A meandering tour of human nature according to Dubos, from his perspective in the early 70s. Enjoyable enough. Some interesting thoughts on what compels humans to gather in cities, despite the challenges involved. He opines that the attraction has always been the opportunity to move beyond the boredom and drudgery of rural life and reap the opportunities and freedoms associated with human diversity. Dubos reflects on the development of morality and spirituality as human kind has risen above its animal nature. He was observing the shocks to the human nervous system accumulating with the disruptive nature of the automobile and the noise pollution associated with the latest technological advances.