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)

Morality And Religion Reconciled

Morality is a human ìmperative for existence, not a religious miracle. The author makes his case and examines Darwinism and the man Darwin.

Profound and illuminating

What made the experience of listening to The Moral Animal the most enjoyable?

This books put many things into a new perspective; it is one of the rare books that have transformed the way I see myself, my life (both external and internal), society, and life in general.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The insights kept coming, chapter after chapter...

What three words best describe Greg Thornton’s voice?

Pinched, tight, not very pleasant. But the book is so great that this can be overlooked.

Any additional comments?

I have seldom experienced such sustained excitement in listening to an audiobook.

only for the open minded

wow! If you have questions, you may find some answers in this book. I have an amazing new perspective. the book could have been dumbed down slightly for me as there were some times I found myself looking up words but it certainly shined a new light for me on Darwin.

Great book

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in human nature, psychology, philosophy and science. The book is well written and highly informative. I'm definitely looking for more books by this author

Informative and Enlightening

I started by reading "Why Buddhism is True" by Robert Wright, and this book is the precursor to a lot of ideas in that book. I highly recommend reading both if you enjoyed "The Moral Animal."

The Moral Animal is a diagnosis of the human condition and explains why or brains work the way they do based on evolution. The idea are well-thought and thoroughly researched and help you re-analyze how you look at the world, how you treat others, and your sense of self. Wright also uses the life of Charles Darwin as a consistent example of how the mind works. Thus, on top of the scientific and philosophical insights it's an interesting take on a sort-of biography of Darwin.

My only additional note is Wright is very verbose and writes like an academic in this book, so it is a little dense. If you get through this one and read "Why Buddhism is True," however, his writing style changes significantly and becomes more casual and conversational. Either way, this book is a great read.

Great book

I read this after reading Wright's "Why Buddhism is True..." Both are great, readable evolutionary psychology books, and they both opened and blew my mind.

a lot of insights into how we became what we are

even though the book is occasionally a bit dry both in content and performance, it is a worthwhile listen. it dives into the evolution of human morality takes a slightly critical stance about the more easy-going view of e.g. "sex at dawn", critically. discusses Frans de Waal's primate research in fairly some detail. certainly a highly recommendable contribution to an ongoing discussion.

Ridiculously Insightful

The Moral Animal is THE book on evolutionary psychology. Robert Wright applies a straightforward game-theoretic analysis to theorize how natural selection shaped human psychology, and gets remarkably penetrating insights into human nature.

I feel like I am seeing human nature laid bare. I find myself shaking my head in awe, because after I hear Wright's characterization of some social dynamic, it seems so clear obvious in retrospect that I can't believe it's not common knowledge.

I also love the way Wright applies the principles of evolutionary psychology to analyze episodes in Darwin's life. Wright's Darwinian understanding of human nature enriches the book's view into Darwin's life.

This is one of the best books in the entire Audible collection. A must-listen.

Older but Worthwhile Introduction

Robert Wright’s Moral Animal (1995) is not one of the new books on the topic of evolutionary psychology, but it is a start. Here Wright explains thinking associated with evolutionary psychology and links it to the life and teachings of Charles Darwin. The book is thought provoking and gently takes the reader into this relatively new psychological perspective. Wright’s consideration of kin-related altruism was of particular interest to me. For my taste, however, Wright spends more time on Darwin’s biography than on introducing evolutionary psychology per se. I will look further to learn more. Greg Thornton's reading is a plus.

Half of this book is a biography of Charles Darwin

If you want to learn more about the life and possible motivations of Charles Darwin, ANNNNNND you want to learn about evolutionary psychology (albeit, from an overview that is slightly dated), then this is the book for you. If you want just one of those things, there are better options out there.