Human Natures

Why do we behave the way we do? Biologist Paul Ehrlich suggests that although people share a common genetic code, these genes "do not shout commands at us...at the very most, they whisper suggestions." He argues that human nature is not so much result of genetic coding; rather, it is heavily influenced by cultural conditioning and environmental factors. With personal anecdotes, a well-written narrative, and clear examples, Human Natures is a major work of synthesis and scholarship as well as a valuable primer on genetics and evolution that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to lay readers.Preface
1. Evolution and Us
2. Tales from the Animal House
3. Our Natures and Theirs
4. Standing Up for Ourselves
5. Bare Bones and a Few Stones
6. Evolving Brains, Evolving Minds
7. From Grooming to Gossip?
8. Blood's a Rover
9. The Dominance of Culture
10. From Seeds to Civilization
11. Gods, Dive-Bombers and Bureaucracy
12. Lessons from Our Natures
13. Evolution and Human Values
Notes
References
Acknowledgments
Index"Well resaecrhed and...elegantly presented."—Publishers Weekly(starred review)

"I doubt whether anyone will write as good a book of this sort on [human evolution] for another two or three decades." — Sicence

Paul R. Ehrlich is the Bing Professor of Population Studies and Professor of Biological Sciences at Stanford University. His books include the bestselling The Population Bomb, and he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of numerous international honors. Ehrlich lives in Stanford, California.