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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Moral Animal summary
Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology
19 mins
Brief summary
'The Moral Animal' by Robert Wright explores the evolutionary roots of human behavior and the role of biology in shaping our moral values, relationships, and social structures. It offers a new perspective on the complexities of human nature and the forces that govern our lives.
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The Moral Animal
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Intelligence, youth and beauty are attractive attributes because they indicate an ability to bear and care for children.
Men, as the old cliché has it, are notoriously unfussy when it comes to casual hookups. If the answer’s “yes,” they’ll partner up with pretty much anyone. Finding a long-term mate, however, is a different business.
Take it from the American sociobiologist Robert L. Trivers. In a study published in 1990, Trivers suggested that while the average male isn’t particularly choosy about sexual partners, both men and women apply exacting standards when selecting long-term partners. His evidence? The majority of participants in his study stated that potential mates had to demonstrate above-average intelligence to be taken into consideration.
That’s easy enough to explain in terms of evolutionary psychology: when men seek a long-term partner, they’re looking for attributes that suggest their mate will be a capable guardian of their future children. Intelligence is an obvious sign of just that. It’s important to note that this isn’t a conscious choice, however; according to evolutionary psychologists, the preference for a smart and competent mother is an entirely unconscious calculation designed to ensure the survival of children.
That said, intelligence isn’t the only characteristic that’s attractive to men – youth and beauty are just as important. According to a 1989 study by evolutionary psychologist David Buss that looked at men’s preferences in cultures across the globe, this isn’t mere male superficiality. Rather, typical youth and beauty markers – think big eyes and small noses – are pretty reliable indicators of female fertility.
That means these choices once again come down to the importance of passing on one’s genes: the greater the chance that a partner will bear children, the more likely it is that a male’s genetic makeup will survive and thrive over many future generations.
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What is The Moral Animal about?
The Moral Animal (1994) delves into the fascinating – and occasionally controversial – field of evolutionary psychology to ask what really motivates human behavior. Drawing on the work of Darwin as well as a wealth of anthropological sources, Robert Wright sheds new light on a range of familiar everyday situations in the animal kingdom and our own societies.
The Moral Animal Review
The Moral Animal is an insightful book by Robert Wright (1994) that explores the complex connection between evolution and human behavior. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a fascinating analysis of how our genetic makeup influences our choices and actions, providing a deeper understanding of our own behavior.
- Through engaging storytelling and extensive research, the author presents a persuasive argument for the importance of evolutionary psychology in explaining human nature.
- With its thought-provoking ideas and compelling examples, this book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to question their own beliefs and biases.
Best quote from The Moral Animal
In our ancestral environment, just about everyone encountered was someone we might well encounter again.
—Robert Wright
Who should read The Moral Animal?
- Psychologists and keen observers of human behavior
- Biologists and other natural scientists
- Anyone fascinated by the evolution of our species
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The Moral Animal FAQs
What is the main message of The Moral Animal?
The main message of The Moral Animal is that evolutionary psychology can help us understand human behavior and morality.
How long does it take to read The Moral Animal?
The reading time for The Moral Animal varies depending on the individual, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Moral Animal a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Moral Animal is definitely worth your time. It offers fascinating insights into human nature and the forces that shape our behavior.
Who is the author of The Moral Animal?
Robert Wright is the author of The Moral Animal.
What to read after The Moral Animal?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Moral Animal, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Knowledge by Jennifer Nagel
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- Consciousness Explained by Daniel C. Dennett
- The Truth by Neil Strauss
- Behave by Robert Sapolsky
- The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
- Daring to Trust by David Richo
- Phaedo by Plato