The Origin of Virtue (The Evolution of Human Instinct and Cooperation)

Author: (American) Riedl, translated by Liu Heng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: A Translation Series of Cultural and Art Anthropology. Praise from The Los Angeles Times as one of the best books of the year. Praise from The New York Times as an outstanding read. A detailed study of human's most basic instincts—mutual help and trust. If, as Darwin said, evolution operates on the strict principle of survival of the fittest, why do humans still cooperate and form complex organic societies? This book presents a fascinating study of human trust and virtue, showcasing recent research findings that individual self-interest and mutual help are not entirely incompatible. In fact, human cooperation instinct may have evolved from inherent selfish behavior. Mutual cooperation benefits both ourselves and others. The book "The Origin of Virtue" carefully organizes new research findings from genetics, psychology, and anthropology, re-examining many assumptions that guide human behavior, such as why we care for our parents, why we take care of siblings, and why we consider the interests of business partners. The author shows us unique research perspectives on human interrelationships provided by computer programs, microbiology, and economic theories. As the author said, "Social functioning is not intentional, but rather an innate human trait that emerged in the process of evolution. To be precise, it is part of human nature."