I read a lot of books on human evolution - it's a passion of mine. But I have never read one like this. Soper proposes that we have in-built, species-I read a lot of books on human evolution - it's a passion of mine. But I have never read one like this. Soper proposes that we have in-built, species-typical, reliably developing anti-suicide adaptations (called keepers and fenders) that prevent us from ending our lives. Lots of books have been written on the evolutionary origins of certain cognitive capacities and proclivities: mate preferences, cheater detection modules, vigilance mechanisms, cognitive biases, etc, but all these are irrelevant if the organism is dead. It's the most important adaptive problem that had to be solved for our species: deliberate self-termination. We alone have this capacity (children, non-human animals, and people with severe intellectual disabilities are immune to suicide). A great book that will, I'm sure, change your perspective on what you think you know about human nature. ...more
What's an artificial intimacy? Well, there are three types that partially overlap: digital lovers, matchmakers, and virtual friends. All of which are What's an artificial intimacy? Well, there are three types that partially overlap: digital lovers, matchmakers, and virtual friends. All of which are evolving rapidly and have fundamentally changed how we meet people, satisfy our sexual urges, and look for romantic partners. Rob takes a deep dive into these technologies associated with artificial intimacies (sex dollbot, social media, etc) through an evolutionary perspective, and in the process writes an absolute gem of a book. I read a lot books on human origins and human evolution. What I love about Rob's book is his immense knowledge in his discipline of expertise, evolutionary biology--and the origins of human nature more broadly--but also how to use these insights to better prepare us for the challenges and opportunities in the near future. Lucid, accessible, insightful, and incredibly illuminating....more
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