BEHAVE: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

What in our glands, genes, childhoods explain our species capacity for both altruism and brutality? Why do we do the things we do? This is the topic of this landmark, award winning and genre-defying examination of human behaviour. It is a dazzling tour d'horizon of the science of human behaviour moving across a range of disciplines. Sapolsky is a neuroscientist and primatologist and here uncovers the hidden story of our actions. Undertaking some of the thorniest questions relating to tribalism and xenophobia, hierarchy and competition, and war and peace, the book is a majestic synthesis of cutting-edge research and a heroic exploration of why, ultimately, we do the things we do, for good or ill. Quirky, opinionated, it is a blend of psychology and neurobiology and a wild and mind-opening ride to a better understanding of human behaviour. From moral philosophy to social science, genetics to Sapolsky's home turf of neurons and hormones, in the epic sweep of history, how does our biology affect the arc of war and peace, justice and persecution, how have our brains evolved alongside our cultures? Sapolsky is a witty and erudite teacher and a clear communicator. A mammoth 709 page paperback, illus. and diagrams.