The Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation

If, as Darwin suggests, evolution relentlessly encourages the survival of the fittest, why are humans compelled to live in cooperative, complex societies? In this fascinating examination of the roots of human trust and virtue, a zoologist and former American editor of the Economist reveals the results of recent studies that suggest that self-interest and mutual aid are not at all incompatible. In fact, he points out, our cooperative instincts may have evolved as part of mankind?s natural selfish behavior--by exchanging favors we can benefit ourselves as well as others.Brilliantly orchestrating the newest findings of geneticists, psychologists, and anthropologists, The Origins of Virtue re-examines the everyday assumptions upon which we base our actions towards others, whether in our roles as parents, siblings, or trade partners. With the wit and brilliance of The Red Queen, his acclaimed study of human and animal sexuality, Matt Ridley shows us how breakthroughs in computer programming, microbiology, and economics have given us a new perspective on how and why we relate to each other.

• DARWIN'S DANGEROUS IDEA: EVOLUTION AND THE MEANINGS OF LIFE
• Selections from Darwin's The Origin of Species: The shape of the argument (Science Classics Module for Humanities Studies)
• The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves (P.S.)
• The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature
• Genome: The Autobiography Of A Species In 23 Chapters (P.S.)
• The Evolution of Everything: How New Ideas Emerge
• The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age
• Total Freedom: The Essential Krishnamurti
• In The Age Of The Smart Machine: The Future Of Work And Power
• The Selfish Gene: 40th Anniversary Edition (Oxford Landmark Science)