In this collection of essays, some of the world's leading anthropologists explore fundamental questions humans ask about themselves as individuals, as societies, and as a species, Conveying anthropology's richness and breadth, the contributors trace the emergence of humans from other primates, describe archaeologists' understanding of early and more recent settlements, and explore the diversity of present and past cultures. Moving from a discussion of communications with apes to a survey of the aging process in several societies, from a case study of a Peruvian highland community to a search for the origins of Eskimo peoples, the essays trace not only culture changes but also changes in anthropologists' perspectives during the 150-year history of the field.