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The Moral Animal

Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology

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The Moral Animal

Written by: Robert Wright
Narrated by: Greg Thornton
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About this listen

Are men literally born to cheat? Does monogamy actually serve women's interests? These are among the questions that have made The Moral Animal one of the most provocative science books in recent years. Wright unveils the genetic strategies behind everything from our sexual preferences to our office politics - as well as their implications for our moral codes and public policies.

©1995 Robert Wright (P)2010 Audible, Inc. Biological Sciences Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Sociology Morality Mental Health Health

What the critics say

"An accessible introduction to the science of evolutionary psychology and how it explains many aspects of human nature. Unlike many books on the topic,which focus on abstractions like kin selection, this book focuses on Darwinian explanations of why we are the way we are--emotionally and morally. Wright deals particularly well with explaining the reasons for the stereotypical dynamics of the three big "S's:" sex, siblings, and society." (Amazon.com review)
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Listen to it it’s good stuff you learn about life it’s beneficial take notes listen

It’s fuckin good

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Very well written. Can be verbose at times (e.g. too much coverage of Darwin's personal life) but the author does make good points with all that detail. Not for the faint-hearted; shatters illusions about altruism with an unfiltered exploration of evolutionary psychology.

Thoroughly fascinating

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Informative, logical, well written. This book showed how biological evolution can explain much otherwise puzzling human behaviour.

Wright on

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Truly an excellent book that only occasionally reminds the reader that it was written in the 90s. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in really understanding the origins behind our shared moral inclinations, and an exploration of what those inclinations are.

And despite the book ruining some of the "magic" of altruism and brotherly love, it ends on a surprisingly upbeat note.

An excellent and important work that holds up

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I truly enjoyed the book, the evolutionary psychology perspective taken was very interesting, I also think that the references to Darwin life were really good maybe the best part. There are some claims made throughout the book that need some verification but overall a really good book, highly recommended.
The narration is also very good it makes the book more enjoyable

Good book, good approach to the topic

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