Origin of virtue

Author: Matt Ridley
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: A Collection of Translated Works on Cultural and Art Anthropology. Praise from The Los Angeles Times as one of the best books of the year. Acclaim from The New York Times as an outstanding read. A meticulous study of the most fundamental human instincts—cooperation 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 offers a fascinating exploration of human trust and virtue, showcasing recent research findings that individual self-interest and cooperation are not necessarily incompatible. In fact, human instinct for cooperation may have evolved from inherent selfish behavior. Cooperation benefits both ourselves and others. The Origins of Virtue carefully organizes the latest research findings from genetics, psychology, and anthropology, reexamining many assumptions that guide human behavior, such as: why do we care for our parents? Why do we look after our siblings? Why do we consider the interests of our business partners? The author demonstrates how computer programs, microbiology, and economic theories provide unique perspectives for studying human relationships. As the author himself says, "Society works not because humans intentionally make it so, but because it is a human nature that emerged in the process of evolution. To be precise, it is part of human nature."