The Moral Animal by Robert Wright

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

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When I read Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright I was blown away by his fascinating perspectives, thorough research and occasional provocative insights. It became one of my favourite books in 2017 (Book review here). I was left inspired to discover more of his work. And so, I found The Moral Animal. A remarkable, mind assessing, scientific and provocative read.

Written in 1995 the book has what I believe to be timeless perspective and insight as to why we are the way we are. I also feel that the research and ideas that Robert presents in this book are very relevant in today’s turbulent society. In a world with much confusion and uncertainty, it is almost refreshing to seek a deeper understanding of life from an evolutionary and biological point of view.

Wright brings forth Darwinism theory to explore the fascinating questions that affect our daily lives. Encapsulating some of Darwin’s better-known publications Wright dives deep down into the rabbit holes in searching for answers. The moral principles that define the modern-day social constructs or the various cultures we live in are almost taken for granted.

Accepted as a code that depicts what is considered right and wrong.

What is right? What is wrong? Why is it that we accept the fabric of the moral landscape without question? Some of us simply take it for granted. It’s just the way things are. Others may find greater confusion as they try to make sense of what I’d consider very familiar curiosities and questions.

Here are just a few:

• Why do men and women behave differently?
• What purpose does monogamy have?
• How do we select a mate?
• How does status motivate us and why?
• Why do we feel love for our children, our spouse, our siblings differently?
• What does having low self-esteem serve?

At times the theories are a little obscure and at other times they make perfect sense. Will it change the way you live your life and how or why you do what you do? If you can remain open to the sometimes-controversial concepts that tackle what we’ve come to accept and live by then yes, I think Wright’s research may make you question your motives and behaviours. I believe that is why books like this win. They challenge perspectives to help us rethink how we live because some of the morals that rule us, in my mind, may cause more suffering and pain then they do good.

What part does evolution play as it relates to religion, relationships, friendship, sex, love, status, self-esteem and our social networks? Wright has opened up the doorway to thoughts I’ve never considered. What we consider to be right and wrong may merely be a matter of social conditioning and at other time it may purely exist for a grander biological purpose. At some level, I feel a sense of relief. Perhaps we take some moral standards too seriously. With different insight and understanding, we can let go a little and relax. Let nature follow it’s course.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase The Moral Animal: Why We Are, the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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