Mediterranean Genesis
Jerry Randal Bauer (jrb@shell.portal.com)
2 Jul 1995 19:29:35 -0700
I've just read "Genesis Revisited" by Glenn G. Strickland. (1979)
(ISBN: 0-8037-2828-X)
I didn't like it, but I recommend it anyway.
I didn't like it because the author adopts a very arrogant attitude
toward anthropologists. He has figured out the answers to all the
mysteries of human evolution; they have not, because they are unable
to think rationally. He has been able to do this because he is
(trumpet flourish here) a _RETIRED OPERATIONS RESEARCHER_!
I didn't like it because the author failed to convince me of the
validity of several of his conclusions. This is, in part, because he
has made a definite effort to avoid anything the least bit technical.
However, I think that many of his arguments just are not well thought
out.
His central thesis is that humankind developed where the Mediterranean
Sea is now. Evidence exists that between 10 and 20 million years ago,
the Mediterranean was dry. Tectonic forces had closed Gibraltar, and
the sea had evaporated. The author posits that around each river
"delta", where the river fell into the basin to evaporate, an
ecological community developed, and that these areas were conducive to
the development of our ancestors.
This is why, even though I found the book flawed in content and
presentation, I recommend it. This thesis is intriguing. The
drying-up of the Mediterranean is well-supported by geological
evidence beyond that given in this book. It happened at the time our
ancestors were developing, according to some chronologies. It seems
that such a situation could not but have some effect.
So I would say read it. Some of the points raised within are quite
original, and may serve to spark more effectively supportable
theories.
But, please, if you are or aspire to be an author, avoid any
temptation to adopt Mr. Strickland's hubris.
Jerry Randal Bauer
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