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.

Amazingly Insightful View of Origins of Morality

Frans de Wall wrote one of the most sensible books imaginable that explores the roots of morality through his intimate and wide experience with our closest living relatives. The legacy of religion may well be rooted in our species' propensities to live socially as tribes. This is one of the most intellectually satisfying books that I have ever "read" (OK - listened to).

Well Researched and Informative

This was a well researched, informative book. I was not familiar with Frans de Waal's work before this book, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought there would be more focus on the Bonobo anecdotes, but there were enough to keep me entertained and interested. This book looks at the issue of what the source of morality and other behaviors is; it combines many areas of study, including religion, philosophy, science, sociology, psychology, and history. While parts of the book dragged a little, overall it was well done. There were some parts of the book that fascinated me and that I had never considered before, such as the yawn response in relation to empathy; I also particularly enjoyed the passages about specific behaviors usually only attributed to humans that are found in bonobos and other species. The narration was very good and easy to listen to.

Masterful presentation of interesting topic

The book really should have been titled "The Bonobo and Human Empathy". The two pillars of all philosophy are empathy and reciprocity. He completely examines the first pillar, empathy, by illustrating empathetic behavior in Bonobos (and other animals) and linking it to our behavior.

He's such a good writer even when he wrote about things I completely disagreed with I would find the book thought provoking. I thought he trivialized the arguments of Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens and John Stuart Mill. But, I'm not bothered. I believe what I believe and I appreciated the different perspective.

The narrator did a perfect job.

The book is much better than most pop science books I have listened to and I'm much richer for having listened to this highly entertaining book and can definitely say because of this book I'm much closer to my goal of understanding our place in the universe. He does talk about philosophy but I enjoyed those parts as much as I did about bonobos.

(P.S. Matt Ridley's book, "The Rational Optimist", fully covers the second pillar of human philosophy, reciprocity. Also, my personal take on the author he seemed like an apologetic atheist and he didn't want to offend anyone. But as I say, I wasn't bothered by this, but I disagreed with him regarding those sections. Also, he seemed to characterized the utilitarianism of John Stuart Mill in a comic book fashion. Once again I wasn't bothered but I don't want to leave the impression that I agreed with him on those two points).

Great info on primate behavior

Theme seemed force. A good read, as always, on primate behavior but the addition of the authors thoughts on atheism and "new atheism" just seem out of place. As if the author used the book as a platform to vent on his displeasure for outspoken atheists.

Informative and insightful writing!

I loved this book, not one dull sections throughout! Truly satisfying, upon it's conclusion, I am wishing there were more chapters and pages!

The origins of morality

This well-written and accessible book reveals primate and mammal social behavior likely serves as the wellspring of human morality, ethics, and religion. Recommended.

Great book for all people

As a Christian, this book is especially helpful. The most important thing for Christians to do is share their faith. You cannot share your faith without knowing what the other person thinks. It is the dialogue between people that is important. This book is an example of someone who sees the reality of our animalistic tendencies, and discerns where our morality comes from. Having a dialogue with this truth opens us up to the reality of what we are. It is only in this dialogue between the reality of the world and theology that we can discern what our faith is, where it comes from, and how it should inform our lives. Ultimately, I think we need to ask the question: If God wants us to be robots, following strict rules without deviation, then why did He give us free will instead of just making us machines that would perform exactly as designed? For me, I think He created us with free will because He is asking us to be partners. I think He is showing us that He is seeking relationships with people who have the freedom to choose how they live. In that freedom, we can choose to live according to our mere animalistic tendencies, or we can transcend our animalistic side and live according to something greater.

This is a great book for challenging what you believe, getting you to think, and most importantly it opens you up to dialogue with the world we live in and our faith.

How to not be an Evangelical Atheist

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

I enjoyed it and I could possible listen to it again but it would be behind several other books. There is not a lot of revelation that needs to be retold. I enjoyed the philosophy and agreed with the author a fair amount but listening again wouldn't really change much.

Any additional comments?

I'm an agnostic and have experienced idiots from both sides of this argument. It is refreshing to hear another scientist talk about how evolution itself might be the root of religion without being evangelical for either side.

One of my favorite books!

Frans combines philosophy, science and personal experience in a powerful discussion of morality and religion

Mocking Comment My Only Complaint . . . 🤨💭

The author’s deriding comment about ‘NDE’ (Near Death Experience) with a smirking tone of voice put a damper on this otherwise highly educational book. Remarkable insight and documented sources that all added to me appreciation our nonhuman relatives still living with nature. Most important though, is knowing just how similar we really are and when and how we humans our most fundamental beliefs—it goes way, way back.

My only objection rests with the author’s offhanded comments about NDE came close to returning this book; it was that insulting, made with a mocking tone of voice. However, I even managed to learn something from this: Do ‘NOT’ ridicule another’s beliefs or claimed life’s experiences. My suggestion, Frans should study Raymond A. Moody’ offerings and find that beyond the tunnel of light one may discover ample evidentiary evidence that, when taken together, more than supports such experiences.

I have never had an NDE but then I did have a spontaneous ‘Near Life Experience’—or better yet, a ‘Pre-Life Experience’. It came right out of nowhere and I mean that literally. I’ll never forget it nor will I now make fun of someone who claims an ‘Atypical Life Experience’. If you can’t prove it or disprove it, then, don’t condemn it and never-ever make fun of someone’s beliefs. And ‘NO’, I am not promoting religion in any form but then neither am I denying it either—the truth lies as usual, somewhere in the middle. Oh, I still love Bonobos, simply because they’re probably our closest living nonhuman relative—on this planet, anyway.

‘veryWest’ for a very good rest.