Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
75th out of 100 books
—
38 voters
Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are
From "one of the world's greatest experts on primate behavior" (Desmond Morris) comes a look at the most provocative aspects of human nature-power, sex, violence, kindness, and morality-through our closest cousins. For nearly twenty years, Frans de Waal has studied both the famously aggressive chimpanzee and the egalitarian, matriarchal bonobo, two species whose DNA is nea...more
Paperback, 304 pages
Published
August 1st 2006
by Riverhead Trade
(first published 2005)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,470)
As one would expect from a book called "Our Inner Ape" written by a popular primatologist, this book was largely about similarities between humans and our closest primate relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos, and the evolutionary cause of these similarities. At the heart of De Waal argument that biologists, primatologists, and most importantly evolutionary psychologists have emphasized the connections between chimp behavior and human behavior at the expense of the other side of human behavior, whi...more
2 likes · like · see review
view all 3 comments
Better than Jared Diamond's The Third Chimpanzee. Diamond only mentioned bonobos in passing; while Frans de Waal discusses them as much as he discusses chimpanzees while only mentions gorillas, ourang-outang, baboons and various monkeys in passing. Frans de Waal's willingness to explore bonobo sexuality make Diamond's "The Third Chimpanzee" seem prudish.
Studying the behavior of our closest species relatives provide a lot of insight into human social behavior.
Politically, Frans de Waal is a lib...more
Studying the behavior of our closest species relatives provide a lot of insight into human social behavior.
Politically, Frans de Waal is a lib...more
2 likes · like · see review
This is a very fine book. While most authors just explain to you fact after fact after fact, which is a fine approach to teaching, of course, this author instead tends to rely on detailing to you his hands-on observations of bonobos and chimpanzees. This approach allows you, the reader, to conduct your own analysis via his descriptions, which is really thought-provoking.
Wonderfully written on our closest genetic relatives: chimpanzees and bonobos, this book delves into the behavior of patriarchal, aggressive chimpanzees and the matriarchal, peaceful and sexually free bonobos. I find it telling that behavior-wise humans are in the middle of the behavior of the aforementioned apes. Discussing a wide variety of topics such as power, sex, food competition, language, and scapegoats the author shows how humans differ and are similar to the other great apes. The book...more
Frans de Waal is one of those rare folks who can take complex information from the sciences (in his case, primatology) and make it accessible to the average reader. His research into the behavior of our closest relatives is enlightening and profound. I was struck by his statement in the book that humans often demean chimps because of their inability to act like humans, but we would fare horribly if we were thrust into a chimp group and had to cope. In this and other books, de Waal makes the case...more
Though this occasionally strays into pop psychology, I enjoyed this book all and all. It is refreshing to read from someone who sees looks at natural man and sees the positives, as well as the negatives.
Here’s a passage that I would say makes a good thesis of what Frans de Waal is arguing:
“We hear that we have selfish genes, that human goodness is a sham, that we act morally only to impress others. But if all that people care about is their own good, why does a day-old baby cry when it hears ano...more
Here’s a passage that I would say makes a good thesis of what Frans de Waal is arguing:
“We hear that we have selfish genes, that human goodness is a sham, that we act morally only to impress others. But if all that people care about is their own good, why does a day-old baby cry when it hears ano...more
Our Inner Ape by Frans de Waal looks as the behavior of gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos in the wild and captivity and evaluates how the behavior of our closest animal relatives might inform our perspective on human behavior. He's particularly interested in the behavior of sexually promiscuous, affectionate, cooperative bonobos and how their behavioral adaptations compare to the notoriously patriarchal, competitive and aggressive chimpanzees. I didn't think he spent enough time emphasizing th...more
I'm a curious person. I'm dedicated to learning why we behave the way we do. Our Inner Ape is a book after my own heart because it's devoted to the topic.
Frans de Waal has a warm and welcoming writing style and provides a large number of stories based on his experience with chimpanzees and bonobos, and to a lesser extent, gorillas. Along the way he has several insights to share about our own species.
The book looks at the behavior of the three of us - chimps, bonobos and man, to see how the apes...more
Frans de Waal has a warm and welcoming writing style and provides a large number of stories based on his experience with chimpanzees and bonobos, and to a lesser extent, gorillas. Along the way he has several insights to share about our own species.
The book looks at the behavior of the three of us - chimps, bonobos and man, to see how the apes...more
It is conventional wisdom that human society is in many ways opposed to human nature. When we do destructive things, we are simply succumbing to our animal nature. When we are compassionate, creative or otherwise positive, we are becoming something different. We are being "human".
This book attacks that conventional wisdom by demonstrating that many of the traits and abilities we consider to be unique to us are not only observable in the great apes, but quite common.
Many people are aware that gre...more
This book attacks that conventional wisdom by demonstrating that many of the traits and abilities we consider to be unique to us are not only observable in the great apes, but quite common.
Many people are aware that gre...more
De Waal doesn't have the frenetic and funny writing style that Sapolsky does (another primatologist whose books I've raved about here), but he is nevertheless good and not without a bit of dry humor. He waxes much more philosophical than Sapolsky - this book is organized into sections on Power, Sex, Violence, and Kindness, and he looks at our how these things are displayed by our nearest animal relatives: chimpanzees, bonobos (formerly called 'pygmy' chimps, now recognized as a separate species)...more
Frans de Waal looks at primates (primarily, chimpanzees and bonobos) at some of human nature -- in particular, sex, violence and morality.
The stories about ape behavior are really fascinating, and may tell us a bit about our own behavior. De Waal suggests that some of our behavior has counterparts in chimpanzees and bonobos, the latter being more aggressive (even violent, cruel) and competitive, and the second being more social.
I didn't like De Waal's extrapolations into human politics and socie...more
The stories about ape behavior are really fascinating, and may tell us a bit about our own behavior. De Waal suggests that some of our behavior has counterparts in chimpanzees and bonobos, the latter being more aggressive (even violent, cruel) and competitive, and the second being more social.
I didn't like De Waal's extrapolations into human politics and socie...more
A couple of months ago I was at Barnes and Noble and they had a shelf of books from which you could choose one free with the purchase of any book. So I made off with this bad boy FREE! I chose it because the author's name stuck out to me- I cited him in a paper I wrote about chimp social behavior back in college. I really enjoyed the research that I did for that paper, so I was excited to learn more, and learn I did.
The premise is that, thanks to our common ancestor, we can learn about the roots...more
The premise is that, thanks to our common ancestor, we can learn about the roots...more
This is the first of Franz de Waal's books I have read. He sets out to convince us that we share many social traits with other apes - both positive and negative. Specifically, he debunks the notion that civilized human society is just a thin veneer overlying a violent and aggressive foundation. He disputes Richard Dawkins' notion that "survival of the fittest" implies individual selection only and leaves no room for a social aspect of human/ape evolution.
Along the way, he asks the question, "Wha...more
Along the way, he asks the question, "Wha...more
Great read for anyone wanting to learn more about lessons to be gained on human nature based on recent discoveries about our primate relatives, especially chimps and bonoboes. The model of chimps as Edenic creatures was darkened by discovery of their versions of warfare and murder, while the pansexual and female dominated society of bonoboes can't provide an ideal model of human society because of the contrast with our core dependence on the nuclear family. The major topics covered in the book a...more
I only ended up reading a third of this because I just wasn't in the mood for it I guess. It was interesting though, it talked about how humans are equally related to both chimps and bonobos, and how chimps can be incredibly violent whereas bonobos are generally very peaceful. He makes interesting points about how apes are far smarter than people give them credit for, because they have empathy and the ability to think ahead. He also makes the point that apes are capable of teaching new things to...more
I loved this book. I almost wish it had been a ebook, so I could have taken notes about this book so I'd have those notes to write a in-depth review. Sadly, not going to happen. I do have some things to say about this book, aside from now wanting to read some of the other books this author has written.
Before this book, I didn't know that much about our close cousins, bonobos and chimps. I have heard of bonobos before reading this book and did know some things about them, but I know more about t...more
Before this book, I didn't know that much about our close cousins, bonobos and chimps. I have heard of bonobos before reading this book and did know some things about them, but I know more about t...more
Very interesting book on on one of my many interests-biological anthropology. I bought this book after going to the Fort Wayne zoo one summer and became awestruck with the orangoutang cage. One of the creatures locked eyes with me and it was eerie. After having been a creationist for ten years and believing that animals were something less-than humans, it stirred something within me to sense this creature, or being if you will, was in the process of thinking about me as I was him or her. If ther...more
I really enjoyed de Waal's sections describing experiments on primates. He is a first-rate primatologist. I somewhat enjoyed his philosophical musings on the implications of those experiments. He is a third-rate philosopher. I abhorred his ignorant discussion of evolution in humans. He is poor evolutionary biologist. For example, he described the increasing rate of c-sections in the world as evidence that women's vaginal canals are shrinking as an evolutionary response to medical advancements. H...more
Dr. Waal compares human behavior to the apes he has studied. The book is totally varied. In many parts, he has the most fascinating information that includes lots of scientific data, his careful observations and his insightful ruminations.
Other times he is annoying as shit and goes off on these tangents about politics and things he pulls out of his ass that are totally not scientific. He just seems to have a feeling and know.
And I felt like he favored the bonobos big-time. I mean the chimps we...more
Other times he is annoying as shit and goes off on these tangents about politics and things he pulls out of his ass that are totally not scientific. He just seems to have a feeling and know.
And I felt like he favored the bonobos big-time. I mean the chimps we...more
This book has really great examples of how the great apes behave. The author chose some good examples that really drive home how each species is different. And I found the writing style to be not overly complex (though it isn't the easiest read).
There are two problems I have with this book
1) I don't like his interpretations for why the animals behave the way they do, and I think it takes too many liberties for extrapolating that behavior to human behavior.
2) He is a fan of animal testing/experim...more
There are two problems I have with this book
1) I don't like his interpretations for why the animals behave the way they do, and I think it takes too many liberties for extrapolating that behavior to human behavior.
2) He is a fan of animal testing/experim...more
I'm tempted to give this 3 stars but only because it feels like most of the information in this book was also in de Waal's "The Age of Empathy." Still, it was a nice set of illustrations of the similarities (and differences) between us and our two closest non-human relatives (chimps and bonobos). That we have similar traits to both animals while they (the chimps and bonobos) are so different only adds to my awareness that people are much more complex than we are simple. I appreciated how de Waal...more
Frans de Waal is on a mission to explain our "human" nature by taking a look at our biological heritage and our closes genetic ancestors, the chimpanzee and bonobo.
By looking at how these creatures deal with power, sex, violence, and kindess, de Waals shows us the parallel between our human society with animal society. While this does a lot to explain politics, our basic impulses etc, de Waal's writing is more of an examination and less of an opinion about modern humanity. He leaves readers to d...more
By looking at how these creatures deal with power, sex, violence, and kindess, de Waals shows us the parallel between our human society with animal society. While this does a lot to explain politics, our basic impulses etc, de Waal's writing is more of an examination and less of an opinion about modern humanity. He leaves readers to d...more
As a leading primatologist, Mr. Waal has studied chimps and apes for years. He shares his findings on primate behaviour with the reader and draws astounding parallels to human behaviour. He shares personal experiences with the reader as well as some groundbreaking studies done in the field.
Although the book deals with science, psychology and behaviour it is insightful and not at all what I would consider a “dry read”. It really does not matter if your beliefs lean towards creationism or evolutio...more
Although the book deals with science, psychology and behaviour it is insightful and not at all what I would consider a “dry read”. It really does not matter if your beliefs lean towards creationism or evolutio...more
I selected this book based on De Waal's reputation in primatology, interested in his thoughts on the root traits that define our human societies. Instead, he stumbled into politics often enough I finally set the book aside, unwilling to mix an objective study of science with a subjective analysis of world political problems. He could have cited a variety of international examples, but chose to concentrate on the USA and a few others, leaving me uncomfortable about his motives. I suggest he stick...more
This book was very thought-provoking. I think his main goal was to show people that we don't have to look at our ape ancestors as strictly violent (like the chimpanzee) and that it is therefore inherent in us, as there is also the gentle and sensual bonobo, a much more peaceful species. De Waal makes his subject very accessible for the average reader, though he does tend to make large generalizations on humans. I think he was writing about what he thinks ought to be true about our species, and i...more
Mar 19, 2013
Rakan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
science,
society-and-gender
هذا الكتاب كان توصية من صديق عظيم وأخ عزيز وافته المنية هو وابنته الرضيعة، إثر حادث أليم مفجع. كان أسعد ضحية أخرى تضاف إلى قائمة ضحايا الفساد والإهمال المستمر لطرقنا السريعة المتهالكة. بوركت أينما كنت يا أسعد.ـ
من المتعارف عليه أننا عندما نقتل ونغتصب ونرتكب الجرائم نكون حينها أبعد ما نكون عن إنسانيتنا. نكون حينها خاضعين لطبيعتنا الحيوانية المنتنة. فيكون الإنسان ((حيواناً)) إذا ارتكب جرما، ويكون الحيوان ((إنساناً)) إذا أتى بحسنة. لكن يبدو أن الخيط الذي يفصل بين الإنسان والحيوان بالكاد يُرى. هذا ما...more
من المتعارف عليه أننا عندما نقتل ونغتصب ونرتكب الجرائم نكون حينها أبعد ما نكون عن إنسانيتنا. نكون حينها خاضعين لطبيعتنا الحيوانية المنتنة. فيكون الإنسان ((حيواناً)) إذا ارتكب جرما، ويكون الحيوان ((إنساناً)) إذا أتى بحسنة. لكن يبدو أن الخيط الذي يفصل بين الإنسان والحيوان بالكاد يُرى. هذا ما...more
This book has a really nice level headed approach following de Waal's own research on Chimpanzees and Bonobos, as well as referring to a few other colleagues studying in the area.
This book explores the behaviours of our closest genetic relatives. I was listening to this audiobook with some friends and they were astounded and trying to work out what I was listening to, the descriptions of bonobo society sounded inextricably similar to our own human understanding of the world.
This book can be und...more
This book explores the behaviours of our closest genetic relatives. I was listening to this audiobook with some friends and they were astounded and trying to work out what I was listening to, the descriptions of bonobo society sounded inextricably similar to our own human understanding of the world.
This book can be und...more
Frans de Waal is at his best when recounting his observations of chimpanzees and bonobos based on his own experience with the individuals and groups that he has become intimately acquainted with over the past twenty years. Much of this is anecdotal, but very insightful and a joy to read. There are detailed accounts of interactions at a level that I have not seen anywhere else.
On the other hand, de Waal is at his worst when speculating about human nature. He goes out of his way to distance himsel...more
On the other hand, de Waal is at his worst when speculating about human nature. He goes out of his way to distance himsel...more
I went into this book wanting to believe everything de Waal wrote, as his Good Natured shone such light on how much we have in common with other primates. He demonstrated that most of our ideas of goodness exist in our older genetic neighbors and that goodness is more natural than we often give it credit. Like in much of de Waal’s writing, here he compares beliefs of human behavior to observation of other primates, specifically chimpanzees and bonobos, which sport radically different social beha...more
if you've read chimpanzee politics, you will hear lots of rehashed and recycled ideas. i don't particularly like de waal's writing style, which is awkward due in part to the fact that english is not his native language and, i suspect, to his own personal style of speach. conclusions and trains of thought are a little too anthropocentric, focusing too frequently on what ape behavior means for humans. although all species are bound to be different in some way, we still insist on legitimizing behav...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
"Frans B.M. de Waal, PhD (born 29 October 1948, 's-Hertogenbosch), is a Dutch psychologist, primatologist and ethologist. He is the Charles Howard Candler professor of Primate Behavior in the Emory University psychology department in Atlanta, Georgia, and director of the Living Links Center at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and author of numerous books including Chimpanzee Politics an...more
More about Frans de Waal...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
