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Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life

A Psychologist Investigates How Evolution, Cognition, and Complexity Are Revolutionizing Our View of Human Nature

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Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life

By: Douglas T. Kenrick PhD
Narrated by: Fred Stella
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Summary

Why do we do what we do? Especially those seemingly inexplicable behaviors—from the disreputable to the downright despicable?

Between what can be learned from evolutionary psychology (thinking that has developed in our species over the millennia to ensure its propagation) and cognitive science (how our minds literally think) a picture emerges. In Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life, social psychologist Douglas Kenrick fuses these two fields to create a coherent story of human nature.

In his analysis, many ingrained, apparently irrational behaviors—one-night stands, prejudice, conspicuous consumption, even art and religious devotion—are quite explicable and (when desired) avoidable. When combined with insights from complexity theory, Kenrick’s argument reveals how simple mechanisms give rise to complex life.

Through an engaging blend of anecdote, analogy, and research findings, Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life takes listeners on a singular tour of the human mind, exploring the pitfalls and promises of our biological inheritance.

©2011 Original material © 2011 Douglas T. Kenrick. Recorded by arrangement with Basic Books, a member of the Perseus Books Group. (P)2011 HighBridge Company Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Psychology & Interactions Crime Murder
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absolutely amazing insights, scientifically grounded with research studies to back up claims, connecting literature dots of a giant web, as if walking through time and space and societies. this book helped me understand so much about me and others...I can only recommend it to anyone who wants to start digging...

either you one deep down or are blown away

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This book gives a world view based on science that helps to understand our behaviours and those of people around us. It contains clues to a better and more fulfilled life.

An inspiring reading

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This audiobook covers a few different areas and brings them together in a way that is a compelling and interesting listen... so much so, I was tempted to mark it down for being too short... until I realised that it was just a case that seven hours has flown by!

I've read / listened around some of these topics before, yet there were still nuggets of new information here... religion and mating strategies for one... so even for the well-read it is worth a listen.

A whistle top tour of many interesting ideas

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