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And there were two types of Human bipedy type things! There was Neanderthals, and Homo Sapiens. We were like cousins, like kissing cousins, except we didn't kiss. Neanderthals, of course, heavy eyebrow-ridge, were kind of: 'Uh... uohh... ohha' You know, with that look of 'I've got a headache...'. Very hardy, but not so bright upstairs. Whereas Homo Sapiens were slightly more: 'How're you getting on, Neanderthal? Everything... all going alright?' Neanderthal: 'Erm, not too good... yesterday... we went hunting... and... half our tribe... was killed... when they fell on themselves... and I... I've hurt my knee... and we've got no... butter.' Homo Sapien: 'Yes, well always good talking to you! Must go, got some swatches of moss for the new cave we're moving into. A local chap's doing some paintings of things, jumping things... Gazelles... or whatever. It's pretty good, should fetch a pretty penny in a couple of years. Where are you living these days?' Neanderthal: 'I am living in a pit of my own excrement.' Homo Sapien: 'Ah, good idea, keeps you warm, yeah?' Neanderthal: 'Uh, what?' Homo Sapien: 'Well your poo keeps you warm, is that right?' Neanderthal 'Uh thi th h...?' Homo Sapien: 'Your poo, from your body... body heat... is that the idea...?' Neanderthal: 'Um no, sort of that... the estate agent said bathroom en-suite.'

Eddie Izzard#97

HistoryEvolutionSurvival

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker humorously contrasts Neanderthals and humans, highlighting survival traits.
In plain terms
Neanderthals were tough but clumsy; humans were more civilized.
What can you take from it?
Humans evolved to be smarter rather than stronger.

Where it applies

  • discussing history
  • joking about evolution
  • talking about tribes

Putting it to work

  • explaining evolution
  • using humor for science

Questions to consider

  • What makes humans different from ancestors?
  • Is survival more than physical strength?

Another view

The portrayal simplifies complex evolutionary history.

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