Review: The naked ape
Editorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsThe forest ape that became a ground ape that became a hunting ape that became a territorial ape has become a cultural ape"" but he'd be a happier, more assured animal if he'd acknowledge his evolutionary inheritance. His intense sexual activity is not a decadent outgrowth of civilization but essential to maintaining the pair-bond of a species whose slow-growing (to a bigger brain) infants made long parental demands; he is the sexiest animal in order to raise the smartest children. Similarly, other behavior patterns--environment exploring, fighting, feeding, grooming--are examined in their relation to the reactions of monkeys and apes and for their significant, sometimes curious, adaptations. Some ramifications: a policeman is unlikely to give you a ticket if you are abjectly submissive (being put into a position of immediate dominance disarms his aggressiveness, as it doeskin all animals); most minor ailments, infrequent among the secure, are calls for friendly sympathy and care (substituting for the social grooming of the other primates). There's an implied dialogue with Ardrey and Lorenz here (and a lot of Kinsey specifics) but concerns are more inclusive, the prognosis more optimistic. It has the attraction of the outrageous made reasonable (and readable)--we can't beat our basic biological urges but we can make the best of them. There is every expectation that it will do very well.
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Victoria Roe - GoodreadsIt's interesting reading this and considering the initial outrage when it was originally published over 30 years ago. Despite the Origin of Species-esque horror, it's amazing how many of the core ... Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Vlad Balan - GoodreadsBrilliant book. Offers an interesting insight on how we, as human beings, act the way we do today. Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Suyeon Lee - GoodreadsFilled with fascinating facts about the fundamental (and often unconscious) human desires and qualities. The ending had quite an impact. Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Juliette Mundy - GoodreadsLiking the book whole-heartedly does not mean accepting it as gospel. Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Maraz Hossain - Goodreadsthe book was good. but some of the conclusion drawn, i felt, were far fetched. Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Ali - GoodreadsStudying the nature of the human race as an anthropologist would study a group of apes is as informative as it is hysterical. And the added bonus of being written with overtones of an impending Cold War made the book even more enjoyable. Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Dawn - GoodreadsThis book presents itself as based on science - there is not one piece of evidence for any of the bold claims made within. It is obviously written by a white, heterosexual male for white heterosexual ... Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Rishi Mehta - GoodreadsMakes you think about our deep seated behavioral patterns. Good read! Read full review
Review: The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal
User Review - Pablo Flores - GoodreadsNowadays this book belongs more to the history of ideas than to the science of zoology or evolutionary thinking. As such it is very well written and convincingly argued. But the many interesting ... Read full review
