“One Hand Clapping” reclaims the story of life from a cold, indifferent universe and brings it back into the warmth of the fire circle, where stories make sense of mysteries and offer guidance for how to live.

– Sadie Dingfelder, The Wall Street Journal

“It is a thrilling paradox to have the human mind read this work and learn its own origin, yet Kukushkin conquers it with ease… an instant classic.”

– Library Journal, Starred Review

Modern scientists tend to shy away from attributing rationality or creativity to biological or chemical systems, and from notions of agency or direction in life. Kukushkin reminds us the ancients had no such issues. And recently, among some biologists, there has been a resurgence of the idea that evolution happens, in some sense, “on purpose”.

Scientists may fear this sounds like pseudoscience, or the "intelligent design" of religious groups. But we may need to revisit concepts we find uncomfortable by association—particularly when tackling existential questions like the origins of life and mind. 

– Thomas Lewton, New Scientist

“Brilliant, bold, and beautifully articulated, One Hand Clapping is the best of biological thought. Starting with the origins of life, Kukushkin deftly solves the chicken-and-egg problem, moves gracefully to the notion of emergence, and concludes with a compelling account of ourselves as curious creatures, co-constructing our cultural niches — and all that entails for being you and me.” 

– Karl J. Friston, Professor of Neuroscience, University College London

“Dazzling and breathtaking…. Be prepared to abandon your pre-conceptions as Kukushkin takes readers on an audacious journey across the eons of life on Earth to arrive at one of the most thorough and yet provocative accounts for what makes humans the species we are. One Hand Clapping takes the scientific concepts of function, emergence, and recursion to new levels, freeing them from the tedium of simply technical explanations into jaw-dropping moments of insight that will leave you shaking with revelation. Do your brain a favor and read this masterpiece.” 

– Bruce Hood, author of The Self Illusion and The Science of Happiness

“This wide knowledge allows [Kukushkin] to take the reader on a billion-year journey, from the creation of DNA and the foundation of all living things, to the fact that humans’ ability to question our place in the world reveals our deepest connection to nature, rather than its opposite. … We think that possibly the theologians would see themselves here too with recurring echoes drawn from a variety of religious traditions – ‘in the world and not of it’ and that sort of thing.”

– Richard Lofthouse, Off The Shelf - Oxford alumni Publication

“One Hand Clapping is a fun, engaging journey from the origins of life to the consciousness of human minds. Kukushkin sees the magic in the world and helps the reader see it, too. But not the impenetrable magic that wallows in mystery—instead, the kind of magic that leads to better questions, and deeper insight. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to better understand the world of molecules and why we are simultaneously in that world, but also, paradoxically, beyond it.”

– Michael Levin, Distinguished Professor of Biology and Director of the Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University