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Open Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst cover

Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

Robert M. Sapolsky • 2017

95 pages202 min

This book offers a comprehensive, biologically-driven exploration of human behavior, examining the roots of violence and altruism across myriad timescales, from instantaneous neural firing to millennia of evolutionary and cultural forces. It delves into the intricate interplay of genetics, hormones, and environment, revealing how these factors contingently shape our decisions and social interactions. Challenging conventional notions of free will and pure altruism, the text dissects the neurobiology of fear, aggression, empathy, and morality. Ultimately, it argues that understanding our complex, often irrational biological predispositions is crucial for fostering peace and navigating the intricate balance between our baser instincts and our capacity for profound cooperation.