Survival of the Prettiest Book Summary - Survival of the Prettiest Book explained in key points
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Survival of the Prettiest summary

Nancy Etcoff

The Science of Beauty

4.4 (33 ratings)
15 mins

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'Survival of the Prettiest' by Nancy Etcoff is a thought-provoking exploration of the biological and cultural factors that influence our ideas of beauty, from evolutionary psychology to the media.

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    Survival of the Prettiest
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    The sciences have neglected the study of beauty – a topic that deserves a closer look.

    Modern-day science seems to have an answer for just about everything. However, it hasn’t had much to say on the subject of beauty.

    In 1954, American psychologist Gardner Lindzey wrote the classic Handbook of Social Psychology, which became a standard reference book for the field. But on the subject of beauty, there’s only one entry, covering “physical factors.”

    This aversion to the subject probably stems from failed attempts to find connections between physical attributes and behavior.

    For example, Johann Kaspar Lavater’s 1772 Essays on Physiognomy tried to tie certain facial features to specific character traits – a project that modern science thoroughly debunked.

    Furthermore, social scientists have historically shown very little regard for the subject of beauty.

    The Standard Social Science Model (SSSM), which greatly influenced social sciences in the twentieth century, may be to blame for this disregard. The SSSM viewed the mind as a blank slate that is shaped exclusively by environmental factors and social conditioning; biology doesn’t come into play at all.

    An influential book by Naomi Wolf, The Beauty Myth, makes arguments in exactly this vein. Examining the subject of beauty through a feminist lens, Wolf argues that beauty is a purely social construct, that it’s used to uphold a patriarchal society and generate profits for cosmetics companies.

    But this is a limited view of beauty, since it focuses solely on modern perceptions. It omits an undeniable fact: the story of the formation of the human mind covers more than ten thousand years of evolutionary history.

    But oversimplifications are typical of the SSSM model, which misguidedly separates biology and culture and ignores beauty’s true complexity.

    Even when considering cosmetics, we can see this complexity at work.

    Roger Bingham, a science reporter, makes a connection between biology and beauty rituals: He suggests that when women apply makeup to their cheeks to imitate a natural blush, they are signaling nubility, youth and sexual innocence – a mix of culturally and biologically valued attributes.

    While there’s no denying that beauty has existed throughout history, the question remains: What is beauty exactly?

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    What is Survival of the Prettiest about?

    Survival of the Prettiest (1999) explores why people prefer things that are beautiful, revealing that our aesthetic tastes are not merely a matter of environment and culture. For instance, what we find beautiful has a lot to do with our innate desire for a strong and healthy child. And even three-month-old babies know beauty when they see it!

    Survival of the Prettiest Review

    Survival of the Prettiest (1999) by Nancy Etcoff explores the science and psychology of beauty, uncovering the reasons why we are drawn to certain physical characteristics. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • Offers a fascinating examination of the connection between beauty and evolutionary biology, shedding light on our complex relationship with physical appearance.
    • Provides a balanced analysis of cultural ideals and their impact on beauty standards, challenging readers to question societal norms and broaden their perspective.
    • Engages readers with its thought-provoking insights on beauty's influence in various aspects of life, including relationships, politics, and self-esteem.

    Best quote from Survival of the Prettiest

    No pair of happy young lovers… probably ever courted each other without many a blush. - Charles Darwin

    —Nancy Etcoff
    example alt text

    Who should read Survival of the Prettiest?

    • Social psychologists interested in scientific and feminist perspectives on beauty
    • Those who’ve wondered why an hourglass figure is thought to be attractive
    • Anthropologists who want to know more about our innate ability to detect beauty

    About the Author

    Nancy Etcoff is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. She has a Master of Education degree from Harvard, a PhD in psychology from Boston University and has studied the brain and cognitive sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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    Survival of the Prettiest FAQs 

    What is the main message of Survival of the Prettiest?

    The main message of Survival of the Prettiest is that beauty plays a significant role in human society and our perceptions of attractiveness are shaped by culture and biology.

    How long does it take to read Survival of the Prettiest?

    The reading time for Survival of the Prettiest varies based on individual reading speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in approximately 15 minutes.

    Is Survival of the Prettiest a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Survival of the Prettiest is worth reading as it explores the fascinating link between beauty and society. It offers valuable insights into the role of attractiveness in various aspects of human life.

    Who is the author of Survival of the Prettiest?

    The author of Survival of the Prettiest is Nancy Etcoff.

    What to read after Survival of the Prettiest?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Survival of the Prettiest, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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