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HBalikov's Reviews > Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
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Sapolsky is a gem of a researcher, professor and deep thinker. He has done very well since receiving his MacArthur Foundation “genius grant.” Here he covers neuroscience, cognitive science and philosophy.
The basic theme is that humanity (and we who comprise it) are capable of great good and great harm. There is a lot that underlies human thoughts, decision-making and actions that Sapolsky uncovers for us. Some of you may, like me, become a little uneasy reading this if your mind wanders into questions of friendship, race, religion, anger, love, passion, and the arc of civilization.
I felt, while reading this book, that I was less than successfully punching above my weight class. If I had a bit more book learning, I am sure it would have been easier. This isn’t because Sapolsky discusses the issues using fancy terms to impress his audience. In fact, he is very good a bringing in a metaphor or anecdote to illustrate his point. He even includes (toward the back of the book) a very helpful section on terms and functions. No, it’s because using the precise terms is very important and it takes time to become comfortable and conversant with them.
I asked for Behave for my birthday. I don’t regret it and I am sure I will be coming back to various sections as time goes by. This book has raised my level of awareness and I am going to find additional ways to explore many of the topics presented.
The basic theme is that humanity (and we who comprise it) are capable of great good and great harm. There is a lot that underlies human thoughts, decision-making and actions that Sapolsky uncovers for us. Some of you may, like me, become a little uneasy reading this if your mind wanders into questions of friendship, race, religion, anger, love, passion, and the arc of civilization.
I felt, while reading this book, that I was less than successfully punching above my weight class. If I had a bit more book learning, I am sure it would have been easier. This isn’t because Sapolsky discusses the issues using fancy terms to impress his audience. In fact, he is very good a bringing in a metaphor or anecdote to illustrate his point. He even includes (toward the back of the book) a very helpful section on terms and functions. No, it’s because using the precise terms is very important and it takes time to become comfortable and conversant with them.
I asked for Behave for my birthday. I don’t regret it and I am sure I will be coming back to various sections as time goes by. This book has raised my level of awareness and I am going to find additional ways to explore many of the topics presented.
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Reading Progress
June 26, 2018
–
Started Reading
July 26, 2018
– Shelved
July 27, 2018
–
Finished Reading
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Thanks for the links! They were quite interesting reviews.
Great review, H. (and happy belated!) -- you make me want to read this, but I somehow suspect I'll be punching in the wrong sport altogether!
Jane wrote: "Great review, H. (and happy belated!) -- you make me want to read this, but I somehow suspect I'll be punching in the wrong sport altogether!"Ha! Thanks, Jane! I have started listening to his lectures - Being Human: Life Lectures from the Frontiers of Science. It is just riveting
HBalikov wrote: "I have started listening to his lectures - Being Human: Life Lectures from the Frontiers of Science. It is just riveting "I'll have to look into that for when I get back into sewing more. I do most of my listening at bedtime now, and if it's too dry I never make it far...
Jane wrote: "HBalikov wrote: "I have started listening to his lectures - Being Human: Life Lectures from the Frontiers of Science. It is just riveting "I'll have to look into that for when I get back into sew..."
I am breezing through these 30 minute lectures, Jane. I find something in each that makes me want to share Sapolsky's insight with my spouse or friends.
HBalikov wrote: "I am breezing through these 30 minute lectures, Jane. I find something in each that makes me want to share Sapolsky's insight with my spouse or friends. "Well darnit! I listened to the sample on Audible and now I need to know how that part ends! I suppose that coupon I got from them today is a timely sign ;)
Jane wrote: "HBalikov wrote: "I am breezing through these 30 minute lectures, Jane. I find something in each that makes me want to share Sapolsky's insight with my spouse or friends. "Well darnit! I listened ..."
It was selling as a download for less than $15 dollars earlier this week. Not much more than $1 a lecture
HBalikov wrote: "It was selling as a download for less than $15 dollars earlier this week. Not much more than $1 a lecture"It's just under $7 for the whole shebang for Audible members. I got a $10 coupon today, so it will cover that and then some ;)
Glad you decided to put in the effort, H! Behave is daunting, but full of insights. And as you point out, it is a book we will want to return to as we read more in this area.
I purchased the book ‘Behave’ after reading your review of this condensed Great Courses lecture series. I love Sapolsky! He always produces stimulating ideas and teaches something new in just about every paragraph. If anyone was deserving of the “genius” grant, it was Sapolsky.
Kiekiat wrote: "I purchased the book ‘Behave’ after reading your review of this condensed Great Courses lecture series. I love Sapolsky! He always produces stimulating ideas and teaches something new in just about..."Should we start a Sapolsky fan club?
Greta wrote: "I liked the book as well, even though I had some issues with the writing I think (?) which wasn‘t written as vivid as I had hoped for and very at length ...BUT I read it in Englisch (as almost ev..."
Excellent points, Greta. Thank you for commenting
Excellent review, H. I have this one on my list. Due to current reads, I’ve been thinking a lot about human behavior. Looking forward to this one. Hope you had a great b-day! 😊
Mischenko wrote: "Excellent review, H. I have this one on my list. Due to current reads, I’ve been thinking a lot about human behavior. Looking forward to this one. Hope you had a great b-day! 😊"I am so glad that you commented, Mischenko. This is an important book for us lay people to understand behavior, but it isn't an easy or a quick read.
We just did a birthday outing with our now six-year old. She absolutely loved going on a drive-through safari. Having a giraffe come up to the car and seeing an American bison (in all its bulk) stroll by were even better for her than seeing her favorite big cats at a distance. Glad that her parents invited us along ;-)
So much has happened in the past 2-3 years. Pandemic
Politics
Disasters forced by climate change
I might have to go back to Sapolsky and see if he offers any insights based on his understanding of human behavior.
and Max https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
for their reviews that motivated me.