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)

Evolutionary psychology is fascinating

Very engaging book. Robert Wright obviously had think about this topic deeply. He incorporates science into the big picture which is what is life.

Uses Darwin's Life To Prove The Point

I was highly impressed with Wright's use of Darwin himself, to elaborate on his research. The man's life was so interesting, and not many books on Evolution (at least that I've read) really touch on it. This book is well thought out, and captivating. Essentially, it traces the evolutionary past of why we act the way we do. If you're familiar with the basics of Evolution, then this is a must-read.

The only concern I have is the narrarator. It pains me to write this, since the book itself is so great, but the reader almost put me to sleep a few times. I almost gave the "Performance" 2 stars, but felt that it may unfairly skew the overall rating of the book in a way that I consider unjust. Bottom line is that this book needs to be read, but they could've chosen a better reader.

Interesting ideas too sparse

If you'd appreciate a detailed history of the life of Darwin, then you'd rate this book higher than I did. But most of us would probably prefer a book half as long with less Darwin biography. Most of the widely spaced ideas are excellent, but I was terribly bored with most of the book.

Inspiring, empowering book

I found the book empowering and "real" Though I think some thesies could have been explained in a more concise manner. A bit repetitive in my humble opinion.

Outstanding!

Already listening to it for the third time!
super insightful and clever. It is one of my favorites!

Life Changing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, for all the right reasons this book will open your eyes to the magic of the real world.

Very informative

This is a great book to teach all about evolution and evolutionary psychology. The author talks about the father of evolution Darwin a lot, which is not really relevant but makes the book more fun. The last two chapters though probably should have been more organized and summery like. Nothing to miss or learn in those chapters. All in all amazing book to learn why people do what they do!

Very Interesting.

The first part, about sexual "instinct", was long and I think repetitive, I got tired of it, especially since it takes almost a Third of the whole book.
But in general, it was a very interesting ride. Lots of information about the way we are explained thru the lenses of evolution.
The parallel with Darwin’s life was fun and full of nice examples that related to the point being treated in each part of the book.

Wrong Narrator

Boring Narration, but otherwise interesting. I often WONDER why folks don’t Bets test narrators before publishing.

love fest for Darwin

whole damn book about how awesome Darwin is. seriously the whole book all about Darwin. title really doesn't let you know that.