The Moral Animal

Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology

By: Robert Wright

Narrated by: Greg Thornton

Length: 16 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Are men literally born to cheat? Does monogamy actually serve women's interests? These are among the questions that have made The Moral Animal one of the most provocative science books in recent years. Wright unveils the genetic strategies behind everything from our sexual preferences to our office politics - as well as their implications for our moral codes and public policies.

©1995 Robert Wright (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"An accessible introduction to the science of evolutionary psychology and how it explains many aspects of human nature. Unlike many books on the topic,which focus on abstractions like kin selection, this book focuses on Darwinian explanations of why we are the way we are--emotionally and morally. Wright deals particularly well with explaining the reasons for the stereotypical dynamics of the three big "S's:" sex, siblings, and society." (Amazon.com review)

FREE WILL

Robert Wright emboldens Darwin’s theory of evolution in “The Moral Animal”. Wright argues that Darwin infers evolution is biological, an all-inclusive generative theory. Not only is humankind evolving physically through natural selection, it is evolving psychologically.

Wright suggests Freud was on to something in the idea of id, ego, and superego. Wright endorses Freud’s suggestion of homo sapient need for social interaction and human’ libidinous thought and action. However, Wright believes Freud took the idea too far when suggesting humans have a death instinct or Oedipus complex. Neither a death instinct nor Oedipus complex makes sense in an evolutionary world where replication of life is the essence of being.

In summary, like Richard Dawkins, Robert Wright is saying human beings are only replicating machines; without God; without free will, and dependent upon the arbitrariness of natural selection.

Not as good as it could have been

The author does a fair job of explaining in simple terms how complex emotional feelings and behavioral tendencies can be shaped by evolution but then gets trapped in his own cultural biases.
Less opinion presented as fact would have made this a better book.

Fascinating content, but narration disappointing

If I could have read the entire book--I would have likely rated the story higher I am sure--however the narration made it impossible for me to pay attention to the text and I could not complete the book.

Amazing, I've never learned so much from one book!

Has to be one of the best books ever written on the subject of why humans do almost everything that they do. Also gives fabulous insight into Darwin.

Interesting but...

I found parts of the book very interesting with regard to the way we are as a species. A lot of research has been done in order to write this book. However, I found it to be very "text book like" with much of it being autobiographical around the life of Darwin which made me lose interest. Still an interesting listen if human behaviour interests one.

Great book!

Great book and recording, This should be a must read for anyone, very life changing

Wonderful book

This book gives wonderful, deep insight into the workings of the human mind. I strongly recommend it to everyone, and specially to evolution deniers. They may benefit the most from it.

Very in-depth

This is one of the books that should be listened multiple times. Perfect for people passionate about evolutionary psychology. Could have used simpler and more modern words but anyway still a masterpiece.

surprisingly good!

I found some parts sexist, but it's from Darwin's point of view and obviously a different time...the narrator's voice was tolerable because the information was so interesting. I feel like I have a much greater understanding of evolution and human behavior now.

Rather dry and academic read

What did you like best about The Moral Animal? What did you like least?

It reinforced my knowledge in this area.

Would you be willing to try another book from Robert Wright? Why or why not?

Not really, as I found this book rather "dry" and academic.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was fine, but I did not care much for the content of the book itself (I did not feel as though I learned anything new). I recommend reading "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion" by Jonathan Haidt. He covers much the same "territory", but in a much more engaging way, drawing on contemporary events and situations. Moreover, Haidt offers compelling support for the concept of group selection, seemingly at odds with Robert Wright.

Do you think The Moral Animal needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I don't see how there is a need for any follow up to this book.

Any additional comments?

I thought that the way the author drew inferences from a single case (Darwin's biography) to illustrate aspects of evolutionary psychology at work lessened the fields scientific credibility. Many of the inferences he drew from Darwin's life were too much of a stretch for me.