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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Eve summary
Cat Bohannon
How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution
19 mins
Brief summary
Eve by Cat Bohannon illuminates the evolutionary history of women, merging scientific insights with personal narratives to explore how female biology and behavior have shaped humanity. This book challenges conventional perspectives on gender and evolution.
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Eve
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Communication through milk
The name "Eve" brings to mind the biblical figure known for having been created from Adam’s rib. But the truth is, human evolution has been driven by a long lineage of exceptional "Eves" – female ancestors whose remarkable adaptations propelled the human story.
Their bodily innovations to protect and provide for the next generation became integral strands of our biology and psychology as Homo sapiens. They still affect us today. And without them, none of us would be here.Meet Morganucodon, or “Morgie,” our first Eve. Morgie was a mouse-sized, insect-eating mammal that lived alongside dinosaurs over 200 million years ago. Morgie and her ancestors laid soft-shelled eggs that needed to be kept moist. So she secreted a special mucus from her skin. When babies hatched, they would lick up this nutritious goo—essentially the first mother’s milk.
Over millions of years, this mucus evolved into proper milk and the skin patches into nipples and breasts. Milk addressed two big problems for mammal babies: hydration and disease prevention. Breast milk provided nourishment and immunological benefits without exposing vulnerable newborns to pathogens in standing water. What's more, breast milk isn't just a one-way street; it's tailored by babies themselves through /the “upsuck.” As babies nurse, their saliva is sucked back into mom’s nipple, telling her milk ducts what the baby needs to fight infections and grow. This ongoing mother-baby conversation also serves another key purpose: social bonding and emotional regulation.
Of course, breasts later became secondary sexual characteristics. But the evolutionary pressure to grow breasts had little to do with men’s gaze. Rather, breasts may have gotten larger and more front-facing to enable breast-feeding while walking upright.
Later, the evolutionary innovation of breastfeeding would shape cities and civilizations millions of years later. In ancient cities like Babylon, Thebes and Nineveh, wet nurses enabled elite women to feed many more babies than they could on their own, facilitating rapid urban expansion.Breasts and their milk are but one example of the ways female bodies safeguard the next generation. If milk evolved not just to feed but to expand communities, what else might we reimagine about what women’s bodies mean?
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What is Eve about?
Eve (2023) is a witty corrective to human evolution, spanning 200 million years of biology. Asking why science overlooked key questions about female bodies, it upends male-centric assumptions about how our species evolved. Ranging from wet nurses to C-sections, these musings will change what you think you know about evolution.
Eve Review
Eve (2021) by Cat Bohannon is an intriguing exploration of love, loss, and personal transformation. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- Thought-provoking themes: The story delves into complex emotions and relationships, offering deep insights into the human condition.
- Rich character development: The protagonists are intricately drawn, making their journeys relatable and captivating.
- Intriguing plot twists: The book keeps you hooked with unexpected turns that leave you eager to uncover what happens next.
Who should read Eve?
- Readers interested in evolutionary biology and the history of the female body
- Feminists seeking greater scientific understanding of human evolution
- Students and academics studying gender, reproduction, and human development
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Eve FAQs
What is the main message of Eve?
The main message of Eve is to challenge societal norms and embrace individuality.
How long does it take to read Eve?
The reading time for Eve varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Eve a good book? Is it worth reading?
Eve is a thought-provoking read with a fresh perspective. It offers insights into gender equality and personal freedom in just 15 minutes.
Who is the author of Eve?
The author of Eve is Cat Bohannon.
What to read after Eve?
If you're wondering what to read next after Eve, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Say It Well by Terry Szuplat
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
- Alien Earths by Lisa Kaltenegger
- Genome by Matt Ridley
- At War with Ourselves by H. R. McMaster