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She Has Her Mother’s Laugh summary
The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity
24 mins
Brief summary
'She Has Her Mother’s Laugh' by Carl Zimmer is a fascinating exploration of how genes shape our lives and define who we are. Zimmer delves into the history of genetics and the current state of genetic research, challenging our assumptions about what it means to be human.
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She Has Her Mother’s Laugh
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Inheritance is both a cultural construct and a biological process.
What comes to mind when you think of inheritance? Genes? Wealth? Status? Actually, it encompasses all of these things. Inheritance is a complex concept, one with both biological and cultural implications, as the story of the Habsburgs shows.
From the fifteenth to the eighteenth century, the Habsburgs were among Europe’s most powerful dynasties, ruling over the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They secured their power through the dominant cultural model of inheritance: the throne passed from father to son upon the father’s death.
Long before genetics became a field of scientific study, it was the basis for the transfer of wealth, status, and power in societies throughout the world, through inheritance.
In Western Europe, the Roman system of hereditas, in which a deceased person’s estate was passed on to their heir, or inheritor, was prevalent up until the Middle Ages.
On top of hereditas, the Renaissance introduced the concept of blood inheritance. It was believed that traits such as intelligence and courage were contained within and transmitted through blood, from parent to offspring. Nobles, in particular, were loathe to taint their “superior” blood by intermingling it with that of people outside their class.
But it was basing their inheritance on blood and biology that proved to be the Habsburgs’ undoing. They had the most rarefied blood in Europe and were preoccupied with keeping it untainted, so they only married those within a select gene pool. Genes are units of hereditary information carried within our cells. What scientists now know – and what the Habsburgs didn’t know – is that cultivating genetic variation, rather than purity, is key for avoiding genetic diseases.
After centuries of inbreeding, generations of Habsburgs were born with various genetic diseases, including hunched backs, pigeon chests, malformed jaws, and mental illnesses. Infertility is another side effect of inbreeding and so Habsburg kings started struggling to produce heirs – so much so that, eventually, the Habsburg dynasty died out.
Ironically, in 1592, during the dying days of the Habsburg empire, Luis Mercado was appointed court physician. In 1603, Mercado published a seminal early work, likely influenced by his connection to the Habsburgs; his book On Hereditary Diseases suggested that physical traits and illnesses could – much like a crown – be passed down from one generation to the next.
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What is She Has Her Mother’s Laugh about?
She Has Her Mother’s Laugh (2018) probes the contemporary understanding of genetics and heredity, and provides an accessible history of the subject from the time of the Ancient Greeks onwards. Author Carl Zimmer also looks to the future, forecasting genetic developments on the horizon and unpacking what they might mean for humanity.
She Has Her Mother’s Laugh Review
She Has Her Mother's Laugh (2018) is an enlightening exploration of the complex nature of heredity and genetics. Here are three reasons why this book stands out:
- It provides fascinating insights into the history and science of genetics, making it a captivating read for both experts and non-experts alike.
- By examining the social and ethical implications of genetic research, the book prompts readers to question the impact of genetics on our society and personal lives.
- With its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking anecdotes, the book presents complex concepts in an accessible and enjoyable manner, ensuring it never becomes tedious.
Who should read She Has Her Mother’s Laugh?
- Science enthusiasts who want to round out their understanding of genetics and DNA
- History buffs who enjoy reading about science and medicine
- Amateur genealogists with an interest in getting to the roots of their family trees
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She Has Her Mother’s Laugh FAQs
What is the main message of She Has Her Mother’s Laugh?
The main message of She Has Her Mother’s Laugh explores the complex genetics that shape our identity.
How long does it take to read She Has Her Mother’s Laugh?
The reading time for She Has Her Mother’s Laugh varies depending on the reader's speed. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.
Is She Has Her Mother’s Laugh a good book? Is it worth reading?
She Has Her Mother’s Laugh is worth reading. It offers fascinating insights into the science behind heredity and identity.
Who is the author of She Has Her Mother’s Laugh?
The author of She Has Her Mother’s Laugh is Carl Zimmer.
What to read after She Has Her Mother’s Laugh?
If you're wondering what to read next after She Has Her Mother’s Laugh, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem
- The Epigenetics Revolution by Nessa Carey
- I’m Ok, You’re Ok by Thomas A. Harris
- Inheritance by Sharon Moalem
- You Only Die Once by Jodi Wellman
- It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn
- Coach Yourself Confident by Julie Smith
- Get Better at Anything by Scott H. Young
- A Life Decoded by J. Craig Venter
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