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Our Inner Ape

The Best And Worst Of Human Nature
By Frans de Waal
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Our Inner Ape by Frans de Waal, the author explores the connections between human behaviour and that of our closest animal relatives, the chimpanzee and bonobo. He delves into attributes like empathy, aggression, and cooperation, shedding light on the biological roots of our social behaviours. Through engaging anecdotes and scientific insight, de Waal highlights how observing these primates can deepen our understanding of human nature.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the parallels between human behaviour and our closest primate relatives. The author, a renowned primatologist, explores themes of empathy, cooperation, and aggression, offering a compelling look at the societal and moral aspects shared between humans and apes. This may appeal to you if you're keen on understanding the evolutionary roots of human nature.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An engrossing narrative that explores what the behaviour of apes can teach us about ourselves and each other

'A profoundly illuminating book on humans by a great primatologist' John Gray, author of Straw Dogs

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

We have long attributed man's violent, aggressive, competitive nature to his animal ancestry. But what if we are just as given to cooperation, empathy, and morality by virtue of our genes?

From a scientist and writer whom E.O. Wilson has called 'the world authority on primate social behaviour' comes a lively look at the most provocative aspects of human nature: power, sex, violence, kindness, and morality through our two closest cousins in the ape family.

For nearly 20 years, Frans de Waal has worked with both the famously aggressive chimpanzee and the lesser-known egalitarian, erotic, matriarchal bonobo, two species whose DNA is nearly identical to that of humans. He brings these apes to life on every page, revealing their personalities, relationships, and power struggles, creating an engrossing narrative that explores what their behaviour can teach us about ourselves and each other.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Frans de Waal's Our Inner Ape is praised for providing a fascinating exploration of human nature through the lens of primate behaviour. Critics highlight de Waal's engaging prose and insightful observations, crediting him with reviving interest in discussions about human evolution and behaviour. The book's warmth, profound illumination, and captivating narrative style are recurrent themes in reviews, and it effectively bridges the gap between science and popular understanding.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781862078826

Publisher: Granta Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 September 2006

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Granta Books

Illustration: Black and white photographs

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 230g

Pages: 300

Collections

Education & Reference Frans de Waal Non-Fiction Science & Nature

About the Author

Frans de Waal, Ph.D. is a biologist and ethologist. His 5 previous books, translated into 14 languages, include The Ape and The Sushi Master, a New York Times Notable Book, and Peacemaking Among Primates. His research has been funded by NATO, the Guggenheim Foundation, and The National Geographic Society.

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