From the moment we first began to contemplate the world, three questions have occupied our minds: Where do we come from?, What are we?, and Where are we going? Artists, religious thinkers, philosophers, and most recently scientists have all searched for answers. Here, the authors describe how scientists decipher human origin from the record encrypted in the DNA and protein molecules. After explaining the nature of descent and the methods available for studying genealogical relationships, they summarize the information revealed by the molecular archives. In doing so, they draw conclusions about our identity, our place in the living world, and our future.

Each volume in the MFA Spotlight series illuminates a significant work in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, offering a brief and engaging introduction to its creation and history.0The life of Paul Gauguin is one of the richest and most mythic in the history of Western art. Abandoning a career in banking, a family, and his homeland, in the last decade of the nineteenth century he sailed from France to the South Seas to seek a life ‘in ecstasy, in peace, and for art’. During his years in Tahiti, although beset by sometimes appalling poverty, illness, and despair, Gauguin brought forth a wealth of astonishing and deeply felt paintings, culminating in this monumental meditation on what he called the ‘ever-present riddle’ of human existence posed in the work’s title. This compact introduction to Gauguin’s masterpiece explores its relation to European models as well as to the artist’s own companion pieces, emphasizing not only that the painting responded to current French art but also that its creator always intended it to find its ultimate audience in Paris. It also provides an enlightening entry into the work’s formal composition and complex symbolism, drawing on Gauguin’s writings to help explore the philosophical and personal struggles that led to the creation of this endlessly mysterious, profoundly beautiful work.

With over a million copies sold, this classic children's book has helped parents all over the world discuss the birds and the bees—without any nonsense. First published in 1973, Where Did I Come From? has helped generations of parents talk honestly with their children about the intimate world of human sexuality. Told in an age-appropriate voice respectful of young people's natural intelligence and lightheartedly illustrated throughout, Where Did I Come From? creates a safe space where families can learn about the traditional facts of life—from the different parts of the body to orgasm and birth. If you've been wondering how to have this talk with your children, look no further for a trusted resource that will give you the tools you need to share this critical information sensitively and factually. “I give this book top grades for humanness and honesty. Some parents will find that its humorousness helps them over the embarrassment.” —Dr. Spock

The sensational findings of a himalayan expedition. Unlocking the Secrets of the Himalayas.

A stunning and timely novel about a Mexican-American family in Brownsville, Texas, that reluctantly becomes involved in smuggling immigrants into the United States. From a distance, the towns along the U.S.-Mexican border have dangerous reputations--on one side, drug cartels; on the other, zealous border patrol agents--and Brownsville is no different. But to twelve-year-old Orly, it's simply where his godmother Nina lives--and where he is being forced to stay the summer after his mother's sudden death. For Nina, Brownsville is where she grew up, where she lost her first and only love, and where she stayed as her relatives moved away and her neighborhood deteriorated. It's the place where she has buried all her secrets--and now she has another: she's providing refuge for a young immigrant boy named Daniel, for whom traveling to America has meant trading one set of dangers for another. Separated from the violent human traffickers who brought him across the border and pursued by the authorities, Daniel must stay completely hidden. But Orly's arrival threatens to put them all at risk of exposure. Tackling the crisis of U.S. immigration policy from a deeply human angle, Where We Come From explores through an intimate lens the ways that family history shapes us, how secrets can burden us, and how finding compassion and understanding for others can ultimately set us free.

From the moment we first began to contemplate the world, three questions have occupied our minds: Where do we come from?, What are we?, and Where are we going? Artists, religious thinkers, philosophers, and most recently scientists have all searched for answers. Here, the authors describe how scientists decipher human origin from the record encrypted in the DNA and protein molecules. After explaining the nature of descent and the methods available for studying genealogical relationships, they summarize the information revealed by the molecular archives. In doing so, they draw conclusions about our identity, our place in the living world, and our future.

First published in 1911. The first chapter in this fascinating study devotes itself to a short preliminary introduction to Darwin’s ideas, and some remarks on the thoughts of the ancients on the subject and how matters stood in the period immediately preceding the appearance of Darwin himself. The second and third chapters discuss Darwin’s theory and a suggested alternative hypothesis. The concluding chapter is devoted to the philosophical aspect of the case, and to some general reflections after a close perusal of Darwin’s works.

What is my true identity? How do I perceive myself? Do I have within me a deep inner joy and peace because of who I am? This unique book takes a reader on a profound reflective journey to discover answers to the most important questions of life. With an eloquent exposé of the Gospel of John, the author offers the wisdom of Jesus for life-changing answers. He opens the door to decipher one’s true origin and destiny. This book takes the reader to the place where answers are found, where serenity abounds, and where inner healing happens. It is a book of hope for all who desire inner peace.

Archuleta families in Spain and the American Southwest. The author's ancestor is Jose Damian Archuleta, who was born in about 1754. He married Juana Micaela Salazar 29 January 1772 in Santa Cruz, New Mexico. Includes general historical background for Hispanic American families.