- Category: Books » Science » Life Sciences - Evolution
- Format: Paperback Learn more about the Paperback format using Tower WIKI.
- Publisher: Penguin USA
- ISBN: 0140264450
- WAPI (Tower ID): 100531865
- Release Date: April 1, 1998
- Average Customer Review: There are no customer reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!
- Tower.com Sales Rank: #84123 in Books (See Top 100 Books Bestsellers)
- #1878 in Science (See Top 100 Science Bestsellers)
- #36 in Life Sciences - Evolution (See Top 100 Life Sciences - Evolution Bestsellers)
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Product DescriptionRun a Quick Search on "The Origins of Virtue" by Matt Ridley to Browse Related Products:Browse more products related to "The Origins of Virtue"Browse more products related to "Matt Ridley"Review"A provocative look at some of the central questions about what makes us human; strongly recommended." "I conclude that this is a very interesting and informative book about the evolutionary origins of some natural human dispositions, about the implications of game-theory, and the the mixture of egotism and altruism that is human nature. But about the origins of virtue, of the pursuit of human excellence in the choice of rational goods, it says nothing at all." "Trust me, have patience and plough through the whole book without peeping at the final page. Then, like a good collage, if you step back and look at the whole structure, it does make good sense." "This is not a Mary Poppinsish book of vacuous, 'holistic' optimism, awash with the milk of Kropotkindness. We are never allowed to forget the narrow tightrope on which we balance above the Darwinian abyss." Publisher's noteBrilliantly orchestrating the newest findings of geneticists, psychologists, and anthropologists, this book re-examines the everyday assumptions upon which we base our actions towards others, whether in our roles as parents, siblings, or trade partners. Ridley shows readers how breakthroughs in computer programming, microbiology, and economics have provided a new perspective on how and why we relate to each other. If, as Darwin suggests, evolution relentlessly encourages the survival of the fittest, why are humans compelled to live in cooperative, complex societies? In this fascinating examination of the roots of human trust and virtue, a zoologist and former American editor of the Economist reveals the results of recent studies that suggest that self-interest and mutual aid are not at all incompatible. In fact, he points out, our cooperative instincts may have evolved as part of mankind's natural selfish behavior--by exchanging favors we can benefit ourselves as well as others. Brilliantly orchestrating the newest findings of geneticists, psychologists, and anthropologists, The Origins of Virtue re-examines the everyday assumptions upon which we base our actions towards others, whether in our roles as parents, siblings, or trade partners. With the wit and brilliance of The Red Queen, his acclaimed study of human and animal sexuality, Matt Ridley shows us how breakthroughs in computer programming, microbiology, and economics have given us a new perspective on how and why we relate to each other. Ridley's previous book, The Red Queen, was short-listed for the Writers' Guild Award for nonfiction. AnnotationThis book was chosen as a "Times Literary Supplement" Book of the Year for 1996. If You Enjoy "The Origins of Virtue (Paperback)", May We Also Recommend:Customer Reviews for "The Origins of Virtue (Paperback)" by Matt Ridley (Author)There are no customer reviews yet. Be the first to write a review! Life Sciences - Evolution BestsellersScience Bestselling Books
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