摘要：[1]There exists a certain genre of biology writing which might be called "meditations on the natural history of life." Some classic authors of this genre are Aldo Leopold, Loren Eiseley, and John Janovy. The word "meditations" is appropriate here because these works are similar to religious meditations; they are reflections, often highly personal, on a story,in this case the story of life. Ursula Goodenough's book belongs to this genre.[2]Goodenough opens with some charming autobiographical notes. Her father was a Methodist preacher who subsequently became Professor of the History of Religion at Yale. She became a biologist, currently at Washington University, married, and has five children. She eschewed religious practice until she joined a Presbyterian congregation about twelve years ago. She sings in the choir, recites prayers, listens to sermons, but sheis not sure whether she is a Christian or even theist
