We, human beings, share more than 98% of our genes with chimpanzees. Yet we are the dominant species on the planet. We have founded cultures and religions, developed complex and varied forms of communication, established sciences, built cities, and created stunning works of art. However, we also possess some grim traits, such as the mass extermination of members of our own species and others.

On the other hand, chimpanzees remain animals focused on their basic survival needs. What is so special about the nearly 2% difference in our DNA that has caused such a divergence between evolutionary cousins? In this exciting, challenging, passionate, and knowledge-filled work, Jared Diamond, a renowned scientist and author, explores how humans—the remarkable animal—evolved and distinguished themselves from chimpanzees, managed to dominate the world in an impressively short period, and ultimately developed means that may lead to their irrevocable destruction.

The book, in its complete form and without illustrations, was published in 2009 under the title The Third Chimpanzee. This version is an adaptation by author Rebecca Stefoff, is shorter, and is sensitively illustrated. It is an excellent read for those interested in the evolution and future of the human species.

"WE HUMANS differ from other animals. However, we are still animals, a large mammalian species. This contradiction is our most fascinating trait, a trait we still struggle to understand how it arose and what it means. On one side, there seems to be an unbridgeable gap that separates us from all other species in the animal kingdom and makes us believe that they possess certain common animal characteristics that we do not; or that we possess certain human characteristics that they do not—such as verbal communication, the creation of art, the construction of complex tools, clothing, but also some grim traits, such as the mass extermination of members of our own species and others.

On the other hand, however, we share the same organs, the same genes, and the same chemical molecules with other animals. In fact, there is no doubt about what kind of animal we are. Ever since the 18th century, scientists studying human anatomy have realized that we look much like certain African monkeys, known as chimpanzees. Today, they have found that the genetic similarity between humans and chimpanzees exceeds 98%.

In this book, we will explore how and why we developed our unique traits, both good and bad. [...]” — From the Introduction of the book

Reviews of the book: • “A broad study of what it means to be human, with provocative views on evolution, adaptation, cultural diversity, sexuality, genocides, races, mass extinctions of the past and present, language, and even the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. [...] The strength of Diamond's views is what makes them provocative, whether he explains why we, unlike all other social animals, prefer to engage in private sex, or describes our urge to smoke or use harmful substances as another manifestation of animal displays, like the feathers of male birds of paradise. [...] Thoughtful readers interested in the fields of evolutionary science, anthropology, psychology, human history, and culture will find much to think about and learn from this book.” — John Peters, School Library Journal

• “This is exactly the kind of book that should serve as a textbook for a revamped science curriculum: enjoyable, with provocative positions and contemporary. [...] Buy it and read it, even if your teachers have not yet had a chance to recommend it to you.” — Guy Claxton, University of Bristol