The Bonobo and the Atheist

By: Frans de Waal

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

In this lively and illuminating discussion of his landmark research, esteemed primatologist Frans de Waal argues that human morality is not imposed from above but instead comes from within. Moral behavior does not begin and end with religion but is in fact a product of evolution.

For many years, de Waal has observed chimpanzees soothe distressed neighbors and bonobos share their food. Now he delivers fascinating fresh evidence for the seeds of ethical behavior in primate societies that further cements the case for the biological origins of human fairness. Interweaving vivid tales from the animal kingdom with thoughtful philosophical analysis, de Waal seeks a bottom-up explanation of morality that emphasizes our connection with animals. In doing so, de Waal explores for the first time the implications of his work for our understanding of modern religion. Whatever the role of religious moral imperatives, he sees it as a "Johnny-come-lately" role that emerged only as an addition to our natural instincts for cooperation and empathy.

But unlike the dogmatic neo-atheist of his book’s title, de Waal does not scorn religion per se. Instead, he draws on the long tradition of humanism exemplified by the painter Hieronymus Bosch and asks reflective readers to consider these issues from a positive perspective: What role, if any, does religion play for a well-functioning society today? And where can believers and nonbelievers alike find the inspiration to lead a good life?

Rich with cultural references and anecdotes of primate behavior, The Bonobo and the Atheist engagingly builds a unique argument grounded in evolutionary biology and moral philosophy. Ever a pioneering thinker, de Waal delivers a heartening and inclusive new perspective on human nature and our struggle to find purpose in our lives.

©2013 Frans de Waal (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

interesting but unfocused

Interesting case studies and examination of what it means to be human.

Fails to address some of the controversies of primate research, which I felt would have been nice.

Never reached an "aha" moment for me but I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration.

Not Enough Meat

Some interesting bonobo (and researcher) behaviors, in a thin soup of philosophy, often obvious and tedious. The reader gets bored and sometimes devolves into a sing-song tendentiousness.

great read

I am so glad this book exists. it's a wonderful read from beginning to end with poignant information on humans and animals and religion. this book it was so interesting it was hard to stop listening.

Every book by Frans de Waal is good.

If you could sum up The Bonobo and the Atheist in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating. Makes you look at the world differently. When you read several of his books you learn how they build upon each other.

Intriguing tale of roots of human psychology.

Would you listen to The Bonobo and the Atheist again? Why?

Yes, I would. I would want to refresh my memory of the connections between how ape societies work and how human societies and their ethics seem to function.

Who was your favorite character and why?

not a relevant question

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Davis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard him before, I don't think, but he is a superb narrator. He is not overdone, yet comes across with feeling and alertness.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed at several points of comparison among the great apes (including us). I also lost my patience with the author because he seems to trivialize and dumb down some real concerns among human societies.

Any additional comments?

The author is an excellent primatologist (I'm no judge, but the Yerkes institute doesn't hire mopes.), except for when he is looking at his own species.

morality before religion

wonderful book! The author gives a great argument for religion evolving from innate morality. I highly recommend this book.

Animal ethics meets evolution and human dignity

Where does The Bonobo and the Atheist rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of my favorites because of the subject matter and the humanist views held by the author.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The chimps and bonobos referenced

Any additional comments?

Must Read!!!!!!!

Interesting animal research, lackluster philosophy

Would you try another book from Frans de Waal and/or Jonathan Davis?

Frans de Waal's writing in this book just didn't grab me. I do not see myself buying another one of his books.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

While the sections of the book about animal studies are well thought out, using vivid examples to back up de Waal's ideas, the philosophical ideas are often just flat statements and opinions. The people he dislikes are often dismissed with superficial single sentence snipes giving the impression he did not put much effort into understanding their positions.

What about Jonathan Davis’s performance did you like?

The reading was well done. Davis does a good job adding emotion to his performance for a non-fiction book.

Any additional comments?

Had this been a book solely about animal behavior it would have been a bit shorter and a lot better.

wonderful exploration of the roots of morality

Is religion necessary to keep us in line? Is religion obsolete if we can be good people without it? Bonobos, chimpanzees, as well as elephants and dogs and grey whales, have signs of altruism without religion. But religion has a place within human culture, and it's not necessary to be theist to recognize the value in diverse religious beliefs around the world.

The wonderful stories in this book about humans and animals, in the wild and in the lab, help shine a light on the inherent morality within people while acknowledging the place of religious experience in human life.

A delicious Fruit for Thought

I am amazed at how intruiging and thought provoking this book has been.

It discussion on morality & religion made me want to think about them more seriously than before.

It did however got me lost sometimes on the author's position on some arguments. It was a hell of a Rollercoaster of arguments and facts but quite enjoyable indeed.