The Moral Animal

by Robert Wright
The Moral Animal cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 107
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
kirkusreviews.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
informative 4.00

The Moral Animal by Robert Wright offers a compelling exploration of evolutionary psychology, blending science and philosophy to understand human behavior. The reviewer appreciates Wright's ability to make complex concepts accessible, though some may find the book's scope overwhelming.

The Moral Animal by Robert Wright is a fascinating dive into how evolutionary psychology shapes our understanding of human nature. The reviewer finds Wright's approach refreshing, as he seamlessly integrates scientific research with philosophical insights. This makes the book both informative and thought-provoking. However, the sheer breadth of topics covered might be a bit much for some readers, making it feel like a whirlwind tour of human behavior. Overall, the reviewer recommends it to those interested in a comprehensive overview of evolutionary psychology, but cautions that it may require some patience to fully grasp all the concepts.

Quick quotes

    The book is a great introduction to evolutionary psychology

    Wright's writing style makes complex ideas accessible

    The breadth of topics covered can be overwhelming at times

bjornsbooklab.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
engaging 4.50

Robert Wright's 'The Moral Animal' explores the evolutionary roots of human moral sentiments, arguing that they are adaptations designed to maximize genetic self-interest. The book challenges traditional views of morality and offers provocative insights into sexual, family, and societal politics.

Robert Wright's 'The Moral Animal' delves into the evolutionary psychology behind human moral sentiments, suggesting that these sentiments are adaptations that serve genetic self-interest. The book is praised for its intelligent and engaging exploration of how evolution shapes our higher thoughts and feelings. Wright's irreverent wit and clever use of Darwin's life as a case study make the complex subject matter accessible. The book also addresses the controversy surrounding sociobiology and its implications for understanding human nature. Wright's main argument is that our intuitive moral principles should be distrusted as they are not inherently true but rather products of evolution. The book offers a fresh perspective on morality and its implications for social policy.

Quick quotes

    The mind is a product of the brain, and the brain is a product of evolution's organizing force, natural selection.

    Our intuitive moral principles, he says, have no claim to inherent truth and should be distrusted.

    The human brain is, in large part, a machine for winning arguments, a machine for convincing others that its owner is in the right -- and thus a machine for convincing its owner of the same thing.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
insightful 4.50

The reviewer finds 'The Moral Animal' thought-provoking and insightful, highlighting how human behavior is rooted in primate group dynamics. They appreciate Wright's exploration of gender differences, the origins of morality, and the impact of technology on societal structures. The reviewer also notes the potential for misuse of evolutionary psychology and the importance of progressive governance.

The reviewer praises 'The Moral Animal' for its engaging exploration of human behavior through the lens of evolutionary psychology. They particularly enjoy Wright's analysis of gender differences in courtship and the origins of morality, finding the insights both witty and thought-provoking. The reviewer also appreciates the book's discussion of how technology and culture can transform societal structures, emphasizing the benefits of progressive governance. However, they caution that the field of evolutionary psychology can be misused, leading to misinterpretations and potential harm to scientific credibility. Overall, the reviewer considers this book one of the most inspiring and important they've read, alongside Wright's other works.

Quick quotes

    Of course, all of our behavior, interactions with family, friends, and colleagues, love life,… is based on old primate group dynamics and Wright shows all aspects of our existence under this aspect, including Darwinism and many great speculations about how the past could have shaped the present and how unaware we tend to be regarding our roots because of our ever so big, fancy brains.

    But in chimps and in us, there are so many examples of thresholds, conflicting biological and sociological structures, and close to impossible to solve mind games.

    Wright has written 3 of the, highly subjective, most inspiring, and important books I´ve ever read and I couldn´t choose which one to prefer; the description of the origins of faith in the evolution of god in The Evolution of God, one of the best descriptions of how to build a better society in Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment or this marvel of showing how primitive we are thanks to the core of our physiology and it´s hairy history.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
thought-provoking 4.00

The reviewer finds 'The Moral Animal' to be a compelling exploration of human nature, blending science and philosophy seamlessly. They appreciate the book's insightful analysis but note that some arguments could be more thoroughly developed.

The reviewer is impressed by 'The Moral Animal' for its ambitious attempt to bridge the gap between science and philosophy. They highlight the book's engaging narrative and thought-provoking ideas, which challenge conventional views on human behavior. However, they also mention that some of the arguments feel underdeveloped and could benefit from more detailed exploration. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a valuable contribution to the understanding of human nature, despite its occasional shortcomings. They particularly appreciate the author's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    The book is a fascinating exploration of human nature, blending science and philosophy seamlessly.

    The author's insights are thought-provoking and challenge conventional views.

    Some arguments could be more thoroughly developed to strengthen the overall impact.

Appears in Lists