The concepts of delay and retardation (in human beings) are quite justified and characteristic compared to the ontogenesis of mammals. However, it should not be overlooked that they characterize the peculiarity of human development only in a negative way. If you look at the positive side, you immediately notice that a long youth is filled with the most important events. All the qualities and abilities that belong to a human being, i.e. upright gait, language, thinking, hand use and so on, we acquire during our childhood and adolescence, and for this, a long development time must be available.
From Friedrich A. Kipp: The evolution of mankind in regard to his long adolescence. Stuttgart 1991.
Graphic: Sofia Lismont
