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Behave

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Behave

By: Robert M. Sapolsky
Narrated by: Michael Goldstrom
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The audiobook edition of Behave by Robert Sapolsky, read by Michael Goldstrom.

The New York Times best seller.

Winner of the 2017 LA Times Book Prize.

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?

©2018 Robert M Sapolsky (P)2018 Penguin Audio
Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics History History & Philosophy Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Genetics Thought-Provoking Mental Health Human Brain Young Adult

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Critic reviews

"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)

What listeners say about Behave

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Brillant book, covering interesting topics in more detail than other similar books

Covers science in a detailed but yet accessible way. Worth sticking with it because it becomes easier and more enjoyable to read as you go through

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A very accessible book on a very complex subject.

Robert Sapolsky writes in an engaging way, yet manages a thorough over view of current thinking on a very complex subject.

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3 people found this helpful

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Good for curious geeks who drive long distances.

I have been educated. I've read his work before, it's nice to have it read to you.

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1 person found this helpful

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life's complicated but interesting

lots of good details sometimes making the point a little obscure.
worh the effort.

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A dazzling achievement

Wow! What an amazing accomplishment and achievement of Robert Sapolsky, integrating so much disciplines, fields, science and philosophy and everything. And all so nuanced, well thought out, well presented. Every time when I would think 'yes, but what are the counter arguments?', sapolsky would present the opposite side of the findings.

The scope is dazzling, bringing so much together, but yet remaining consistent and accurate. I cannot fathom the work that he had to put in to synthesize all this.

This really brings the complexity of life to the front and center stage. And it presents in such a way that you marvel at it and it excites you!

6 stars would be best.

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Should be taught in high school.

Monumental work for the general public, technically rigorous but approachable and engaging. Sapolsky's writing is well structured, clear and terse. I personally like his dry humor.

This is a book *EVERYONE* should read, as it is about a topic

that concerns everyone - why we behave the way we behave.

There's no real good reason to be oblivious about this

knowledge; it's fundamentally as necessary as basic human

biology to a functioning adult.

All the information contained, which might feel like too much, is included pragmatically and reasons for its inclusion are provided and justified properly. Theses are always presented with counterarguments and a neutral attitude. Theories that are uncertain are presented as such, but contextualized to highlight their relevance. The work of a true, great scientific mind.

A rare, once in a decade, life-changing book.

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Often fascinating, sometimes not

This book has some amazing sections, but also plenty that drag. It's hard to know what sort of reader wohld enjoy all of it. Some is incredibly technical and dense. For instance, the first 2 chapters are seriously hard work. Better chapters await if you can get through this!

The book is most interesting when Sapolsky is talking about his areas of specialism is non technical ways. For instance, the chapters on gene-environment interaction.

It is less interesting later in the book when it drifts into social science. It feels like something that Sapolsky cares a lot about, but is non necessarily more qualified to discuss than anyone else. E.g. The chapter on differences between people with different political views.

That said, his views at the end of the book on legal reform are really interesting.

A challenging book but we'll worth the effort.

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fantastic

Great book. really enjoyed listening. I will probably re listen. Highly recommended to anyone,

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great book, great narration!

I'm very impressed by the narration! It's not easy to remain entertaining and bubbly on a science book. The book itself is entertaining and bubbly overall but there are some passages that are more technical and still the narration is really easy to listen to. The content is absolutely fascinating!

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7 people found this helpful

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Not for the Casual Reader

This was a fascinating listen but some of it was way over my head. I think the book is aimed at academics, particularly those concerned with Biology, Psychology and the Social Sciences. It is not for the casual reader!

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2 people found this helpful