Authors of New and Who Are We?

Connecticut Public Radio | By Faith Middleton

Published January 2, 2013 at 5:26 PM EST

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/mcnicolpants/fms%2020120914.mp3

Why are we attuned to the latest headline, diet craze, smartphone, fashion statement? Why do we relish a change of scene, eye attractive strangers, develop new interests? How did Homo sapiens survive near-extinction during an environmental crisis 80,000 years ago, while close cousins very like us have died out? Winifred Gallagher's new book New tries to understand our need for novelty and change. Plus, a couple more questions: Who Are We? And Why Should It Matter in the 21st Century?, a provocative examination of the enduring legacy and obsession with identity in politics and everyday life.

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