From the author of the widely acclaimed Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, an enlightening perspective on the peculiar drives and intrinsic needs underlying human behavior, and how they link us to -- and separate us from -- the rest of the animal kingdom. In this wide-ranging collection of witty essays, Robert M. Sapolsky brings a touch of humor and compassion to the world of cutting-edge science. His subjects range from explanations of the neurological bases of human individuality to discussions about the philosophical and political implications of recent findings in biological research. Ultimately, Sapolsky confirms that human beings are -- with unnerving frequency -- just another kind of primate. "Sapolsky is one of the best scientist/writers of our time....What emerges in these brilliant, wide-ranging essays is a rich picture of human individuality and how it is both constrained and liberated by biological fate". -- Oliver Sacks, M.D.

Reviews

Ask fans of popular science to name the best science essayists today, and the name of Sapolsky should not immediately come to mind. This book should help to change that. Sapolsky, a biologist at Stanford and a contributor to Discover magazine, writes on the biological aspects of human behavior. Subjects in this provocative and highly literate collection include male aggression, the onset of puberty, the psychology of guilt, and possible connections between madness and religious experience. The author implicitly invites readers to ponder two recurring themes: there are no simple answers to questions of why people act the way they do, and even the most deviant behaviors can be seen as "normal" behaviors taken to extremes. This book offers lots to think about. Highly recommended.‘Gregg Sapp, Univ. of Miami Lib., Coral Gables, Fla.

In 17 wide-ranging and witty essays, 11 of which have been previously published in Discover and The Sciences, Stanford biologist Sapolsky (Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers) provides extraordinary insights into the topic of biological determination. How much of our personalities, our behaviors, our quirks, he asks, are a direct outcome of our genes, or the biochemical processes they control, and how much can be attributed to free will? Sapolsky draws fascinating parallels between humans and our close primate relatives and provides abundant details about some of the latest breaking discoveries in neurobiology, always probing the possible infringements on our personal freedom that might arise from our new knowledge. His specific topics include the timing of the onset of menstruation, whether religious rituals stem from obsessive-compulsive behaviors, the parallels between our fascination with the O.J. trial and voyeurism in baboon societies, grave-robbing in the 19th century, as well as many others. They are all fascinating, and Sapolsky packs his treatments of them with wisdom and delightful surprises. Throughout he criticizes poor scientific methodology as well as those who uncritically accept it. Sapolsky's style, cleverness and sensitivity compares favorably to those of Oliver Sachs. (Apr.)