The Human Mind

TL;DR: The book explores the evolution of imagination in humans, examining improvisation, creation, and unique human qualities.

Abstract: The Evolution of Imagination . By Stephen T. Asma. 2017. The University of Chicago Press. (ISBN 9780226225166). 271 pages. Hardback. $30.00. This book explores a unique feature of humans: our ability to imagine, to improvise, and to create the unexpected. Using examples from music, comedy, philosophy, religion, as well as exploring concepts from evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and neuroscience, Stephen Asma attempts to explain this exceptional human quality. In addition to being a philosopher, Asma is also a jazz musician, and most sections begin by describing some part of the process of creating music, which was both understandable, as improvisation is a cornerstone of jazz music and creating music for pure enjoyment is a rare trait to find in the animal world, but also slightly grating as it felt like an overused device. However, as I progressed through the book, I found myself …