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Life Story

byJonathan Loh

From Cells to Civilisations and Beyond

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We know all about evolution.
But that’s only half the story.

Life Story is Jonathan Loh’s groundbreaking dual narrative of the development of life on Earth through both biological and cultural evolution. Far from being a byproduct of nature, he reveals how human culture is a distinct form of life, its evolution through co-operation, language and technology echoing the diversification of organic life from simple cells to multicellular, social animals – and how it gives us unique advantages and responsibilities.

But evolution is not finite. In a future in which our machine-based creations could evolve into a life form of their own, Loh outlines an extraordinary scenario for the next evolutionary leap, based on a new understanding of our cultural and natural heritage and the power they give us to change the world.


© Jonathan Loh 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
A chronology of being human and what that means, with some surprising, chilling but nevertheless credible thoughts on our AI future and beyond. Beautifully written and accessible, it's a guide to what we were, what we are and what we might come to be
Lorna Gibb, author of RARE TONGUES

About Jonathan Loh

Originally trained in biology, environmental science and anthropology, DR JONATHAN LOH is an independent scientist and consultant to organisations such as the UN Environment Programme and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) on the conservation of biological and cultural diversity. He was the founding editor of WWF’s biennial Living Planet Report, and is an Honorary Fellow in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex.
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Details
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • ISBN: 9781529904536
  • Price: £14.00
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