A groundbreaking synthesis of the entire science of human behaviour by 'one of the best scientist-writers of our time' (Oliver Sacks)
Robert M. Sapolsky holds degrees from Harvard and Rockefeller Universities and is currently a Professor of Biology and Neurology at Stanford University and a Research Associate with the Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya. He is the author of The Trouble with Testosterone, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers (both finalists for the LA Times Book Award), and A Primate's Memoir. Sapolsky has contributed to Natural History, Discover, Men's Health, and Scientific American, and is a recipient of a MacArthur Foundation genius grant.
Awe-inspiring ... This is the best scientific book written for
non-specialists that I have ever read. You will learn more about
human nature than in any other book I can think of, and you will be
inspired -- Henry Marsh, author of Do No Harm
It's no exaggeration to say that Behave is one of the best
nonfiction books I've ever read * Wall Street Journal *
Behave is the best detective story ever written, and the
most important. If you've ever wondered why someone did something -
good or bad, vicious or generous - you need to read this book. If
you think you already know why people behave as they do, you need
to read this book. In other words, everybody needs to read it. It
should be available on prescription (side effects: chronic
laughter; highly addictive). They should put Behave in hotel
rooms instead of the Bible: the world would be a much better, wiser
place -- Kate Fox, author of Watching the English
Magisterial ... This extraordinary survey of the science of human
behaviour takes the reader on an epic journey ... Sapolsky makes
the book consistently entertaining, with an infectious excitement
at the puzzles he explains ... a miraculous synthesis of scholarly
domains -- Steven Poole * Guardian *
Truly all-encompassing ... detailed, accessible, fascinating *
Telegraph *
Rarely does an almost 800-page book keep my attention from start to
finish, but Behave is exceptional in its scale, scope,
detail and writing style ... Sapolsky places what makes us special
in the wider context of humans as animals with brains that are
fundamentally similar to those of other species. It is the first
book that does so comprehensively enough to qualify as a guide to
human behaviour -- Frans de Waal * Science *
A miraculous book, by far the best treatment of violence,
aggression, and competition ever. Its depth and breadth of
scholarship are amazing, building on Sapolsky's own research and
his vast knowledge of the neurobiology, genetic, and behavioral
literature. All this is done brilliantly with a light and funny
touch that shows why Sapolsky is recognized as one of the greatest
teachers in science today -- Paul Ehrlich, author of Human
Natures
A great writer and a superb guide to human nature, Sapolsky shows
you how all the perspectives and systems connect, and he makes you
laugh and marvel along the way. A beautifully crafted work about
the biology of morality -- Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous
Mind
One of the best scientist-writers of our time -- Oliver Sacks
Behave is like a great historical novel, with excellent
prose and encylopedic detail. It traces the most important story
that can ever be told -- E O Wilson
As wide as it is deep, this book is colorful, electrifying, and
moving. Sapolsky leverages his deep expertise to ask the most
fundamental questions about being human -- David Eagleman, author
of Incognito
Marvellous. Behave gives us the knowledge of how to manifest
more of our best selves and less of our worst, individually and as
a society -- Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit
One of the finest natural history writers around * The New York
Times *
Robert Sapolsky's students must love him ... witty, erudite and
passionate about clear communication ... the implications of
fascinating scientific findings are illuminated through topical
stories ... then Sapolsky reaches for the big, synthetic pay-offs,
examining how, together, these insights can enhance our
understanding of the forces that lead to tribalism, violence,
dehumanization and war - as well as tolerance, empathy and peace
... The analysis is arresting and the writing is often moving ...
It is impossible not to deeply admire a project bold entire to ask
an entire field to work to create a more just and peaceful world *
Nature *
Sapolsky's book shows in exquisite detail how culture, context and
learning shape everything our genes, brains, hormones and neurons
do * Times Literary Supplement *
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