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Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life: A Psychologist Investigates How Evolution, Cognition, and Complexity Are Revolutionizing Our View of Human Nature Audiobook
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(3.01) - 143 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Why do we do what we do? Especially those seemingly inexplicable behaviors—from the disreputable to the downright despicable? Between what can be learned from evolutionary psychology (thinking that has developed in our species over the millenniums to ensure its propagation) and cognitive science (how our minds literally think) a picture emerges. In Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life, social psychologist Douglas Kenrick fuses these two fields to create a coherent story of human nature. In his analysis, many ingrained, apparently irrational behaviors—one-night stands, prejudice, conspicuous consumption, even art and religious devotion—are quite explicable and (when desired) avoidable. When combined with insights from complexity theory, Kenrick’s argument reveals how simple mechanisms give rise to complex life. Through an engaging blend of anecdote, analogy and research findings, Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life takes listeners on a singular tour of the human mind, exploring the pitfalls and promises of our biological inheritance.
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"Would have given 3.5 stars if it was an option. Teaches us about the reasons behind our desires and how genetics, environment, and evolution influences those. Definitely has made me think about certain things in new ways. It also confirmed other things I knew but couldn't verbalize."
— Gil (4 out of 5 stars)
Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life Listener Reviews
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Shpend Elezi, 7/18/2017
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" CogSci nerdiness "
— Kelly, 12/24/2013 -
" This book presents some interesting ideas but I would like to see more development of the ideas and cross references to other studies. "
— Becky, 12/17/2013 -
" Not bad, just not that great. "
— Teri, 12/12/2013 -
" self congratulatory book with questionable science based on serious bias and extremely outdated notions of evolution and what is 'natural". entertaining? yes. annoying? yes! some of the studies were good but not worth the rest. this book is GREAT if you want stuff to argue against:) "
— Charlene, 11/8/2013 -
" Interesting read with short chapters, making it easy to digest, but also makes you want more. Intriguing and convincing topics. However, it only focuses on the authors research. Much more depth could be provided, but a good overview of several theories. "
— Norah, 9/16/2013 -
" I agree with a lot of the other reviews on here- the subject matter was interesting but the disorganization and scattered presentation distracted from his ideas. "
— Katie, 5/4/2013 -
" Do I agree with most of what Kenrick is writing? Yes. Was it interesting? Not really. With a topic like this, it should have been. Good content but boring. "
— Jenny, 3/13/2013 -
" Unusually good: combines observational psychology and some economics to discuss why we behave how we do, and how our seemingly irrational behavior generally indicates underlying rational models of the world that aren't working the way we expect. "
— Smellsofbikes, 6/27/2012 -
" changed the way I think about everything "
— Carlie, 5/6/2012 -
" This book is a quick read. The last five chapters of the book are very interesting! "
— Sharada, 4/22/2012 -
" Human nature in different and interesting situations. "
— BLACK, 4/18/2011
About Douglas T. Kenrick
Douglas T. Kenrick is a professor of psychology at Arizona State University and the author of Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life. He lives in Tempe, Arizona.
About Fred Stella
Fred Stella has worked as an actor and voice talent in radio, television, independent films, and audiobooks. He was awarded the Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award for Best Male Narration in 2002. He is on the adjunct faculty staff of Muskegon Community College.