Print
Return to online version

January 1, 2011

The Foundation for Everything You Know

Justin Katz

It doesn't diminish the fields of history and science to express fascination that it's entirely possible for some bones or fragments thereof to reorder the entire history of man:

A Tel Aviv University team excavating a cave in central Israel said teeth found in the cave are about 400,000 years old and resemble those of other remains of modern man, known scientifically as Homo sapiens, found in Israel. The earliest Homo sapiens remains found until now are half as old. ...

The accepted scientific theory is that Homo sapiens originated in Africa and migrated out of the continent. Gopher said if the remains are definitively linked to modern human's ancestors, it could mean that modern man in fact originated in what is now Israel.

The article goes on to note that it could still prove to be the case that the remains are of Neanderthals, not homo sapiens, but the finding still serves as a healthy reminder that relatively little of our knowledge of the past comes from rigorous documentary evidence.

Comments

I would think that the question more people would have is whether the teeth belonged to an Israeli or Palestinian. That might better help to decide whose land it really is.

Posted by: Patrick at January 1, 2011 8:52 PM


Since it now seems to be accepted that Neanderthals are incorporated in our gene pool, I am certain I have seen several in full expression. As anyone who has ridden the NY subways must note, the Neanderthals are still amongst us.

Considering our acceptance of evolution, and the wide range of markedly different Homo Sapiens from Hottentot bushmen to Nordic blondes; it seems quite possible that they developed in different places, at different times.

My understanding is that the African genesis is based on the fact that the oldest known relics were found there. To my mind that only proves them to be the oldest found, it says nothing about those not yet found. This discovery was made during the "Civil Rights" days and I have always wondered if that effected a determination of the "First Man".

I also understand that Homo Sapiens are thought to be about 200,000 years old. They are thought to have developed "culture" and moved out of Africa about 50,000 years ago. In evolutionary terms, that is the blink of an eye; yet, look at the divergence among Homo Sapiens. So, I suspect similar, but slightly different, development in several places.

On the other hand, as a result of better nutrition Japanese (aka Koreans. The original Japanese, Caucasians, were always larger) have increased in average height about 6 inches, since WWII. I suppose that proves nothing; the larger Japanese were always there, just waiting to be fed.

Posted by: Warrington Faust at January 1, 2011 8:52 PM

"As anyone who has ridden the NY subways must note, the Neanderthals are still amongst us."

Or ever seen a Geico commercial.

Posted by: Patrick at January 1, 2011 10:58 PM

Posted by Patrick

"As anyone who has ridden the NY subways must note, the Neanderthals are still amongst us."

I did phrase that humorously, but it is a "true life" experience. I recall that while riding the IRT when I was 22, or so, I was struck by the sight of a guy who was clearly a Neanderthal. Or, at least the way that Neanderthals are usually depicted.

There is also a movie/tv actor whose features are definitely Neanderthal. His features have softened with age and his jaw seems less protuberant, I cannot recall his name. He was usually cast as an Hispanic gangster.


Posted by: Warrington Faust at January 2, 2011 11:28 AM

The funding formula is more Progressive/Marxist bullblank. From each town according to its ability, to each according to its need.

Education is properly an industry, not a function of government. The entire establishment should be privatized. This is the only way to rescue future generations from ignorance and indoctrination, and to prevent the bankruptcy of our state.

Posted by: BobN at January 2, 2011 7:36 PM

BobN
You say "education is an industry, not a function of government". Since you are flying in the face of the past 100 plus years of U.S. history and many more of European history You will either have to explain your statement further and let us know how you came to such a conclusion, or shut up about the subject.

And no, personal attacks will not do as an argument. Take a deep breath and explain how education is an industry and not the purview of the government.
OldTimeLefty

Posted by: OldTimeLefty at January 3, 2011 6:34 PM

"There is also a movie/tv actor whose features are definitely Neanderthal. His features have softened with age and his jaw seems less protuberant, I cannot recall his name. He was usually cast as an Hispanic gangster."

Danny Trejo?

www.imdb.com/name/nm0001803/

Posted by: Patrick at January 4, 2011 12:02 PM

"Danny Trejo?"

No, I took the link to IMDB, not Danny Trejo. Whoever I am thinking of definetly has features more like a "naked ape". Just can't remeber the name, I recall his features much better than his roles. I don't think I have seen him in anything in the last 10-15 years. He always had supporting roles.

Posted by: Warrington Faust at January 5, 2011 12:14 AM