1. Human origin: There are two main popular theories at present, namely evolution theory and creation theory. Before it was confirmed, people used various myths and legends to explain it. Since Darwin founded the theory of biological evolution, most people believe that humans are the product of biological evolution, and that modern humans and modern great apes have the same ancestors
2. Evolutionary theory:
The origin of humans Refers to the biological formation process of human beings. Theoretically, the process of human origin can be divided into three major stages: the ancient ape stage; the human and ape stage; and the human beings who can make tools stage. The later stage includes two major periods: ape and homo sapiens; they are further divided into two stages: early and late.
In 1859, British biologist C.R. Darwin published the book "The Origin of Species", which clarified the development rules of organisms from low-level to high-level, from simple to complex. In 1871, he published the book "The Origin of Man and Sexual Selection", citing many evidences that humans evolved from extinct apes. But he failed to realize the essential difference between humans and animals, and failed to correctly explain how ancient apes evolved into humans.
3. Creation Theory:
. Engels proposed the scientific theory that labor creates human beings. In 1876, he wrote the article "The Role of Labor in the Transformation from Ape to Man". It points out that the fundamental reason for human beings to break away from the animal state is labor, and the essential difference between humans and animals is also labor. The article discusses the transformation process from apes to humans: ancient apes initially lived in groups in tropical and subtropical forests. Later, some ancient apes went down to the ground to find food and gradually learned to walk upright on two feet, with their forelimbs freed. , and can use tools such as stones or wooden sticks, and finally developed to making tools by hand. At the same time, the physique, including the brain, has developed accordingly, and various human characteristics have emerged. Engels called the ancient apes living in trees "tree-climbing apes", the creatures in the transition period from apes to humans as "man in the making", and the man who can make tools as "fully formed". people". With the continuous discovery of fossil materials and the continuous improvement of dating methods, people's understanding of human origins has also continued to deepen. Although there are still many problems, clues to the origin and development of human beings can be roughly sketched.
4. Hypotheses
1. Theory of evolution
2. Theory of dimensions
3. Theory of life
4. Energy theory
5. Gene theory
6. Cell theory
7. Myth theory
8. Alien theory< /p>
9. Ocean theory
10. Animal theory
11. Man is the descendant of astronauts
12. The theory of the combination of sea and land ancestors
13. The combination of aliens and ancient forest apes
14. Human beings were created
There are also some other theories, such as: 1. Called out 2. Original existence 3. Plant evolution 4. Clay manufacturing
5. Myths:
Western myths
Myths and legends about the origin of human beings, Various ethnic groups are quite rich, and some of their myths are quite similar, but of course there are also many differences. In these myths, it is very interesting that we can find similarities with the theory of evolution.
Summarizing various myths, the origin of human beings can be divided into five types: "called out", "originally existing", "changed from plants", "changed from animals" and "changed from animals". Let’s describe them separately.
Call out
Egyptian mythology says that humans are called out by gods. Since ancient times, Egypt has always been a mysterious place. It is the most self-enclosed of all ancient countries. It has its own way of life. It is difficult for external civilization to affect it. Therefore, its theory of human origin is also different from other theories. The people are different.
The Egyptians believed that long before Egypt appeared in the world, the Almighty God existed. He created everything in the heaven and the earth. When he called "Subi", there was wind; when he called "Taifuna" , there was rain; when he called "Habi", the Nile River flowed through Egypt. He called again and again, and all things appeared one by one. Finally, he said "men and women", and in the blink of an eye, Egypt was filled with many people.
After the work of creation was completed, Nu transformed himself into a man's shape and became the first Pharaoh, ruling the human race on earth and creating peace and prosperity.
Originally Existed
Myths that humans originally existed are scattered among North American Indians and New Zealand Maori. Indian myths say that God created the heavens and the earth, and then led humans up from the underground to live on the earth. Maori mythology says that "Ranchi" and "Baba" are heaven and earth and the source of all things. At that time, heaven and earth were not separated and everything was dark. His son longed for light, so he pushed the heaven and earth away with force, and light appeared. Human beings who have always been hidden in the darkness are discovered. It turns out that they are also born from heaven and earth.
Plants transformed
The idea that humans were transformed from plants is a Germanic myth. It says that the god Odin (ODIN) was walking on the beach with other gods one day when he saw a tree on a sandbank. Two trees grew up, one of which was majestic and the other graceful, so he ordered the two trees to be cut down and made into men and women respectively. Odin first gave life, and the other gods gave reason, language, blood, Skin color, etc., became the ancestors of Germanic people.
Animal transformation
The myth that humans were transformed from animals is quite common. Australian mythology says that humans transformed from lizards; American mythology says that humans transformed from mountain dogs, beavers, apes, etc.; Greek mythology also says that a certain tribe of people transformed from swans, and a certain tribe of people transformed from cows.
From this myth of "animals turning into humans", we can find something very close to the theory of evolution. Especially in American mythology, it is said that humans were transformed from apes, which is completely consistent with the theory of evolution. This coincidence , very intriguing.
Chinese Mythology
There are several myths in our country that discuss the origin of human beings. The earlier one is "Huainanzi Spiritual Chapter": "There are two gods (Yin and Yang) mixed together. , Jingtian Yingying... The qi is like insects (the turbid gas turns into insects, fish, birds and beasts), and the essence is like humans (the pure gas turns into people). "This statement has not been taken seriously.
The later theory refers to the fact that when Pangu was dying and transformed into all things, the parasites on his body turned into humans. The first volume of Yishi quoted the Five Movement Calendar: "The insects in (Pangu's) body were moved by the wind and turned into lignites (people)." This statement has not been spread.
Another theory is that human beings were created by the Yellow Emperor, and then were given limbs and five senses by other gods Shang Pian and Mulberry. See "Huainanzi Shuo Lin Chapter": "The Yellow Emperor gave birth to yin and yang, and Shang Pian gave birth to Eyes and ears, Sang Lin has arms and hands... "This statement is very interesting, very similar to what German said. Unfortunately, there is no description of what kind of gods Shang Pian and Sang Lin are in other ancient books, leaving only a mystery.