Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

Robert M. Sapolsky

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In Circulation

The new York times bestseller 'awe-inspiring you will learn more about human nature than in any other book I can think of' Henry Marsh 'one of the best scientist-writers of our time' Oliver sacks why do human beings behave as they do?

We are capable of savage acts of violence but also spectacular feats of kindness: Is one side of our nature destined to win out over the other?

Every act of human behaviour has multiple layers of causation, spiralling back seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years, even centuries, right back to the dawn of time and the origins of our species.

In the epic sweep of history, how does our biology affect the arc of war and peace, justice and persecution? How have our brains evolved alongside our cultures?

This is the exhilarating story of human morality and the science underpinning the biggest question of all: What makes us human?

What will you learn from this book

  1. Neurobiological Basis of Behavior: Sapolsky delves into the neurobiological underpinnings of human behavior, explaining how our actions are influenced by the brain's complex systems and hormonal processes.

  2. Role of Stress: The book emphasizes the impact of stress on behavior, detailing how chronic stress can affect decision-making, impulse control, and overall well-being.

  3. Influence of Genetics and Environment: Sapolsky explores the interplay between genetics and environmental factors in shaping human behavior, highlighting that both nature and nurture contribute significantly to who we are.

  4. Temporal Dynamics: The book discusses the importance of considering the temporal dynamics of behavior, acknowledging that human actions are often influenced by both immediate and long-term factors.

  5. Neurological Determinism vs. Free Will: Sapolsky delves into the ongoing debate between neurological determinism and free will, examining the extent to which our actions are predetermined by biology and how much agency we have in decision-making.

  6. Evolutionary Perspectives: Behave provides insights into how certain behavioral patterns have evolved over time, offering an evolutionary perspective on why humans act in certain ways.

  7. The Prefrontal Cortex and Decision-Making: Sapolsky explores the role of the prefrontal cortex in decision-making and impulse control, shedding light on why humans sometimes struggle with self-control.

  8. Cultural and Societal Influences: The book acknowledges the importance of cultural and societal factors in shaping behavior, demonstrating that our actions are not solely determined by biology but are also influenced by the broader context in which we live.

  9. Emotional Regulation: Sapolsky discusses the mechanisms of emotional regulation, explaining how the brain processes and regulates emotions, and the implications for behavior.

  10. Implications for Ethics and Morality: "Behave" delves into the ethical and moral considerations arising from the understanding of human behavior, prompting readers to reflect on the implications of biological determinants for concepts like responsibility and accountability.

Language English
ISBN-10 9780099575061
ISBN-13 9780099575061
No of pages 800
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Vintage Books
Published Date 05 Apr 2018

About Author

Author : Robert M. Sapolsky

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