Behaviour is one of the most complex and fascinating aspects of being human. In this book, Robert Sapolsky draws on his expertise in neuroscience to explore why we behave the way we do – from our evolutionary origins to modern-day conflicts. Along the way, he offers insights into topics such as aggression, stress, altruism and love. This updated edition features new findings on topics such as the neuroscience of fairness, cognitive dissonance and.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of why we behave the way we do. It offers insights into topics such as aggression, stress, altruism and love – making it an interesting read for both experts and laypeople alike.
Pros :
- The author is a prominent neuroscientist, and so the book offers rich scientific insights into human behaviour.
- The book is written in an accessible style, making complex concepts easy to understand.
- It covers a wide range of topics, from evolutionary origins to modern day conflicts.
Cons :
- It can be dense at times
- The topic of behaviour is so vast, it’s impossible to cover everything in one book
- It can be repetitive
Learn more about the author
Robert Sapolsky is a world-renowned scientist and Primatologist. He has taught at Stanford University since 1987, where he is currently the Richard Snell Professor of Biology. His work on stress, aggression and neuroscience has earned him numerous awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 1992.
Reader Reviews
“An excellent, up-to-date overview of the biology of human behavior by one of the field’s preeminent researchers…A ‘must read’ for anyone interested in what makes us tick.”
“I’m a huge fan of Sapolsky’s work, and this book is one of his very best. It’s lucid, engaging, well-written – everything you could want in a popular science title.”
“This is a tour de force – an utterly brilliant, wide-ranging book on the biology of human behaviour. Sapolsky makes complex scientific ideas brilliantly accessible, while never shying away from controversial topics. Behave is both enlightening and entertaining – I could not put it down.”
“This book provides an extremely readable and engaging introduction to the biology of human behaviour. Sapolsky’s stories make complex scientific issues accessible to non-experts, and his clear explanations of research findings are impressive.”