The ethical animal

Author's name: Robert Wright Publisher: Nabu Publishing and Distribution Year of publication: 2024 Literary classification: Philosophy and Thought Book summary: The book "The Moral Animal: How Did Human Nature Form?" by American author Robert Wright, translated by Al-Mojtabi Al-Wa'ili, is considered one of the most prominent works in the field of evolutionary psychology. The book reviews how human morality evolved from an evolutionary biological perspective, explaining that behaviors such as love, jealousy, cooperation, and even betrayal, have roots in survival and reproduction strategies that developed in humans over ages. Wright highlights how natural selection influenced the shaping of our emotions and behaviors, and raises questions about concepts like sacrifice, suicide, and homosexuality, attempting to interpret them through the lens of evolution. The book was first published in 1994 and received widespread acclaim, being chosen by The New York Times as one of the top 12 books of that year. Additionally, "The Moral Animal" is an important reference for understanding the relationship between biology and human behavior, offering a new perspective on how human nature was formed. "A great intellectual and narrative feast on the deepest issues, with enjoyment for every thinker… clearly explains our understanding of the evolution of human moral feelings, and draws out provocative implications for sexual, family, authoritarian, and societal policies… Mr. Wright writes with coherent and straightforward skill without any pretense, without compromising the sincere seriousness of his purpose." * Stephen Yenker – New York Times Book Reviews "It opens the eyes, stimulates thought, sends shivers down the spine, and confuses the mind. I wish I had thought of this type of scientific book earlier." * Matt Ridley – The Times Literary Supplement "The new field of evolutionary psychology – seeking to explain human behavior and emotions according to Darwinian evolution – will find no better person than Robert Wright to review it. Through his attempt to uncover the evolutionary logic behind friendship, romance, hatred of foreigners, racism, sibling rivalry, and more, Wright softens the seriousness of his intelligence with humor, pairing that with Darwin’s personal biography, which he viewed through the lens of the new Darwinism itself… This book is the most advanced in-depth exploration of the new Darwinian thinking to date." * Publishers Weekly