Chapter 1: Finding Your Inner Fish

When I read the first sentence, I was thinking, "Darn, another book about the boring life of a fossil-crazed man." To tell you the truth, I had a hard time focusing on Shubin's words that I had to reread many parts of the chapter. When Shubin questioned himself about his personal safety and comfort about why he was in the Arctic and not in Hawaii, I daydreamed about myself in Hawaii. I got to tell you, I had the longest time in reading the first few pages.

I never really thought in-depth about evolution, thinking scientists and researchers like Shubin was frantic to find any reason, true or false, for everything, including our own existence, just for fame or money. My thoughts started to change when I read Shubin's explanation on how fossils are laid out on the rocks of the world and Shubin's explanation on his adventures in the Arctic. Through his words, I felt the honest excitement of a true paleontologist. I found Shubin as someone who enjoys what he does unlike other scientists or researchers. Additionally, the description of how Jason Downs entered the main tent with all pockets stuffed with fossils made me realize that this book isn’t dealing with money or fame-crazed men, but people who have a definite passion for finding fossils and updating history.

When he stated the importance of this one, small characteristic: the flat head, Shubin finally caught my attention. From then, I started to wonder if we really do have fish as our ancestors. Furthermore, I found it a bit amusing about how Shubin repeats “serendipity,” or good fortune, because I mainly thought of scientists needing tons of skills and long hours in classes or laboratories. I liked how he was honest to credit serendipity on finding the trail to “our inner fish.” It showed that even major discoveries such as the Tiktaalik were found by chance and it gives me hope on other discoveries Shubin or other paleontologists may find.

Shubin seems like he has a true passion and devotion for what he does, which makes me wonder what else he has in store for readers, like myself, in the coming chapters.