Winner of the W.W. Howells Book Prize from the American Anthropological Association and named one of the best science books of 2021 by Science News “DeSilva takes us on a brilliant, fun, and scientifically deep stroll through history, anatomy, and evolution, in order to illustrate the powerful story of how a particular mode of movement helped make us one of the most wonderful, dangerous and fascinating species on Earth.”—Agustín Fuentes, Professor of Anthropology, Princeton University and author of Why We Believe: Evolution and the Human Way of Being “Breezy popular science at its best. . . . Makes a compelling case overall.”—Science News Blending history, science, and culture, a stunning and highly engaging evolutionary story exploring how walking on two legs allowed humans to become the planet’s dominant species. Humans are the only mammals to walk on two, rather than four legs—a locomotion known as bipedalism. We strive to be upstanding citizens, honor those who stand tall and proud, and take a stand against injustices. We follow in each other’s footsteps and celebrate a child’s beginning to walk. But why, and how, exactly, did we take our first steps? And at what cost? Bipedalism has its drawbacks: giving birth is more difficult and dangerous; our running speed is much slower than other animals; and we suffer a variety of ailments, from hernias to sinus problems. In First Steps, paleoanthropologist Jeremy DeSilva explores how unusual and extraordinary this seemingly ordinary ability is. A seven-million-year journey to the very origins of the human lineage, First Steps shows how upright walking was a gateway to many of the other attributes that make us human—from our technological abilities, our thirst for exploration, our use of language–and may have laid the foundation for our species’ traits of compassion, empathy, and altruism. Moving from developmental psychology labs to ancient fossil sites throughout Africa and Eurasia, DeSilva brings to life our adventure walking on two legs. Delving deeply into the story of our past and the new discoveries rewriting our understanding of human evolution, First Steps examines how walking upright helped us rise above all over species on this planet. First Steps includes an eight-page color photo insert.

Origin of Life studies have a nearly-impossible goal: understanding nature through the comprehension of its origins and its complexities. As a growing field with poorly-defined borders, Origin of Life studies profit from progress in other disciplines. This book proposes both an overview of this large area and an in-depth look at the opinions and results obtained by some of the active contributors of this fascinating and deeply thought-provoking matter. The topics are presented in a bottom-up order, first touching on the habitability of the universe, then the rationale behind meaningful prebiotic chemistry, the possible or probable prebiotic chemical frames, the problem of chirality, and moving on through the role of minerals in biogenesis, biogenic fertile environments, the in-and-out problem as solved by vesicles physics, the evolution of the codes, the structure of LUCA and its proto metabolisms and the meaning of complex extant biological biomorphs, as exemplified by viroids. These topics and the reasoning within the chapters are provided against the backdrop of the evolution of information and complexity.

In the twenty-first century we are confronted with a rapidly changing world full of social, economic and environmental uncertainties. We are all inherently connected to this changing world and in order to create the best possible conditions for life to thrive, we must each develop an inner capacity to respond and adapt to life in new, creative and innovative ways. The author of this visionary book argues that the path to a happy, healthy and peaceful world begins with the individual. By learning to recognise our cognitive habits of interrupting and defining life through our fixed ideas, labels and judgements, we can begin to develop a dynamic way of seeing that enables us to perceive and respond to life with greater attentiveness. First Steps in Seeing reveals a practical set of stepping stones that guide the reader into this dynamic way of seeing and relating. Using personal stories, practical exercises and real-world case studies in development, education and business, the author takes the reader on a journey to explore how to give our full attention to life, and how to enliven the world that we each co-create. An inspiring guide for all those working for social change in youth work, business, education or research, or simply seeking fresh paths in life.

This instructional and informative book is written for those who want to help someone that is struggling with an addiction. For those struggling with a life–controlling problem, for church leaders, youth ministers, families and friends of an addict, this book has been written for you.

Can one be too young to play outside? This unique and compelling book charts the experiences of a group of under-three-year-olds as they explore their natural outdoor environment, followed by caring and attentive adults. It deconstructs the myths that underestimate under threes and celebrates the importance of connecting children with the natural world and the influence of positive relationships in this early stage of life. Taking the First Steps Outside draws on all aspects of working outdoors, focusing on different steps of the project, main achievements and obstacles, implemented strategies and benefits for the development of young children. Features include: Stunning photographs of children exploring the outdoor environment, who are interested, thoughtful, persistent and successful Detailed descriptions of real events, illustrating how the outdoor space can be an educational context for under threes Insight into the role of the adult, as they observe and reflect upon children’s learning Advice on choosing the right resources and facilities to create a good outdoor learning environment for the young child Advice about risky play and promoting challenging and positive opportunities in the natural environment Guidance on how to set up an outdoor project for children under three Written to support all students, teachers, practitioners and managers working with under threes, this essential guide will help you to develop your knowledge, build confidence and gain the ability to co-explore outdoors with children.

A revised and updated edition of this popular step-by-step guide to baby development When Baby Steps was first published in 1993, it was named one of the 10 Best Parenting Books by Child magazine. Now, this popular guide to baby's first two years has been completely revised to incorporate the latest research on the young child's developing brain and behavior, including brand-new material on temperament, language, and memory. Baby Steps pinpoints the important events in an infant's life, examining them month by month for the first year, and in three-month intervals during the second year. Beginning with a "miniguide" to early development, the book goes on to a cover such important subjects as sleep, crying, colic, motor development, social play, and toilet training. Developmental hints and alerts throughout the book provide parents with a clear understanding of the full range of "normal" behaviors for each phase, helping to allay common anxieties. An accessible, concrete guide to infant and toddler behavior, Baby Steps takes much of the guesswork out of parenting.

First Steps in the Law is an entertaining and insightful overview of the legal system. Geoffrey Rivlin, who boasts a wealth of experience as a former senior resident judge, barrister, and QC, leads the reader through the quirks of English law, offering fascinating details. Readers are regaled with lively descriptions of the workings of the legal system and vivid tales of the law in times gone by. Real life cases bring the book to life, enabling the reader to see the law in action, while descriptions of the participants in the legal system (including judges, lawyers, and police officers) root the book in the everyday reality of the legal profession. This is an essential read for anyone who is preparing for a law course or requires an understanding of the law in their working life.

Simple, fun, and healthy exercises show parents how to aid children in physical, mental and emotional development, as well as strengthening the parent-child bond. Charts, instructions & illustrations.