Critical Review: Survival of the Sickest
In the non-fiction genre of literature, many writers have often tried to persuade as well as educate their readers on specific facts. Dr. Sharon Moalem, in her book, survival for the sickest, seeks to demystify our current understanding and beliefs on diseases and change the reader’s perceptions on health and their relationship to all other living things on earth. Dr. Moalem argues on the influence of illnesses and diseases on the evolution of humanity. The thesis of this paper is to analyze Sharon Moalem’s book, “survival for the sickest” and access whether the book was able to meet its intended objective.
Dr. Moalem argues that evolution may favor the emergence of harmful traits and genetic diseases. For instance, she uses the example of Sickle cell. Sickle cell anemia disease affects an individual when the person has two copies of the gene that causes the red blood cells to have a sickle shape. Moalem discusses that when an individual possesses one of these genes, they acquire partial resistance against malaria. Dr. Moalem uses another example of hemochromatosis which is a genetic disorder that causes toxic amounts of iron to accumulate in the body. She also believes that diabetes may have originated to act as an adaptive response during the ice age. Many readers find her examples relatable and view it as a bridge of facts between ancient and modern biology.
However, Dr. Moalem provides less convincing arguments. For instance, she uses the frog example to explain the emergence and role of diabetes in humans. Her explanation has often been criticized by readers citing examples of cats and dogs who are also at risk of getting diabetes. Dr. Moalem’s argument does not present evidence on the facts. In the last chapter, Dr. Moalem seems to be in support of Elaine Morgan’s hypothesis on human origin, “the aquatic ape.” This hypothesis has been criticized for having errors of fact and has been dismissed by evolutionary anthropologists.
Dr.Moalem’s book has not achieved its intended goal of education of its readers on facts relating to evolution and human diseases. The lack of scientific facts and evidence make it difficult for most readers to rely on the book for scientific knowledge.