The Secret Of Our Success

by Joseph Henrich
The Secret Of Our Success cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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Paperback • £16.99
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  • ID: 8739
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781400873296
  • Publisher: Princeton University Press
  • Published: 2015-10-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Secret of Our Success explores the unique journey of human evolution, revealing that our collective intelligence, rather than individual brilliance, has been the key to our dominance. Drawing from a wide range of sources, including lost explorers, chimpanzees, and ancient bones, the book demonstrates how our ability to learn from each other and innovate has shaped our biology and culture. /n/n This thought-provoking work delves into the interplay between genetics and cultural evolution, showing how our species has developed extraordinary capabilities through social interconnectedness. From fire and cooking to complex institutions, the book highlights the innovations that have propelled us forward, offering a fresh perspective on human uniqueness and our remarkable evolutionary trajectory.

Reviews
The P Smiths · 2023-02-13
insightful 4.00

The book delves into the intricate relationship between human psychology and cultural evolution, highlighting the importance of heuristics in shaping adaptive technologies. It offers a fresh perspective on how culture and genetics intertwine to drive human success.

The P Smiths' review of 'The Secret of Our Success' explores Joseph Henrich's compelling argument that human psychology has evolved to rely on heuristics for dealing with causally opaque technologies. This perspective sheds light on the profound impact of culture on human adaptation and success. The reviewer appreciates the depth and breadth of Henrich's analysis, which challenges conventional views and offers a nuanced understanding of cultural evolution. The book is praised for its insightful exploration of how our genetic and cultural backgrounds are deeply intertwined, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding human behavior and cooperation.

Quick quotes

    Henrich argues that, because so many highly adaptive technologies are causally opaque, inborn human psychology has evolved the heuristic 'do what you're told.'

    This perspective sheds light on the profound impact of culture on human adaptation and success.

    The book offers a fresh look at how our genetic and cultural backgrounds are deeply intertwined.

Reddit - AskAnthropology · 2022-10-30
excellent 4.25

The book is highly praised for its excellent writing and thorough representation of sources, making it a valuable read for anthropologists and enthusiasts alike. It is noted for its comprehensive exploration of cultural evolution.

In a Reddit discussion on AskAnthropology, 'The Secret of Our Success' is lauded for its excellent writing and thorough representation of sources. The reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive exploration of cultural evolution, making it a valuable read for both anthropologists and general readers. The book's ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner is highlighted, along with its nuanced understanding of human behavior and cooperation. The discussion emphasizes the book's significance in advancing the field of social science and its impact on evolutionary theory.

Quick quotes

    The book's got a lot going for it. What I've read of it is excellently written, and Henrich represents his sources well.

    It's a valuable read for both anthropologists and general readers.

    The book's ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner is highlighted.

Slate Star Codex · 2019-06-04
amazing 4.50

Despite debunking a popular view, the book manages to be an amazing read, offering a unique perspective on cultural evolution. It is praised for its clarity and depth, making complex ideas accessible.

Slate Star Codex's review highlights how 'The Secret of Our Success' successfully debunks a popular view while remaining an engaging and insightful read. The reviewer commends Henrich's ability to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, making the book enjoyable for both academics and general readers. The book's exploration of cultural evolution is noted for its depth and nuance, providing a fresh perspective on how culture drives human success. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to challenge conventional thinking and offer a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and cooperation.

Quick quotes

    The Secret Of Our Success by anthropologist Joseph Henrich manages to be an amazing book anyway.

    Henrich wants to debunk (or at least clarify) a popular view.

    The book's exploration of cultural evolution is noted for its depth and nuance.

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