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Synopsis
Why are people nice to each other? What are the reasons for altruism? Matt Ridley explains how the human mind has evolved a special instinct for social exchange, offering a lucid and persuasive argument about the paradox of human benevolence.
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Review
Human life, scientific journalist Matt Ridley suggests, is a complex balancing act: we behave with self-interest foremost in mind, but also in ways that do not harm, and sometimes even benefit, others. This behavior, in a strange way, makes us good. It also makes us unique in the animal world, where self-interest is far more pronounced. "The essential virtuousness of human beings is proved not by parallels in the animal kingdom, but by the very lack of convincing animal parallels," Ridley writes. How we got to be so virtuous over millions of years of evolution is the theme of this entertaining book of popular science, which will be of interest to any student of human nature.
About the Author
MATT RIDLEY is a research fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs and a Trustee of the International Centre for Life, living in Northumberland. His last book, The Red Queen, was short-listed for the Rhone-Poulenc Prize for science books and the Writers' Guild Award for non-fiction.
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The Origins of Virtue
Published by
Penguin Books Ltd, United Kingdom, London, 1997
ISBN 10: 0140244042
ISBN 13: 9780140244045
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Why are people nice to each other? What are the reasons for altrusim? Matt Ridley explains how the human mind has evolved a special instinct for social exchange, offering a lucid and persuasive argument about the paradox of human benevolence. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001214099
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The Origins of Virtue
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The Origins of Virtue (Penguin Press Science)
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The Origins of Virtue (Penguin Press Science)
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The Origins of Virtue (Penguin Press Science)
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The Origins of Virtue
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The Origins of Virtue
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The Origins of Virtue (Penguin Press Science)
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Origins of Virtue Penguin Pres
Published by
Penguin Books, Limited (UK), 1997
ISBN 10: 0140244042
ISBN 13: 9780140244045
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Softcover
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