This provocative and brilliant book challenges the accepted narrative that sexual monogamy comes naturally to our species. Renegade thinkers Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá weave together evidence from anthropology, archaeology, primatology, anatomy, and psychosexuality to show how far from human nature monogamy really is. They explore the ancient roots of human sexuality while pointing toward a more optimistic future that is illuminated by our innate capacities for love, cooperation, and generosity. Sex at Dawn unapologetically upends unwarranted assumptions and unfounded conclusions while offering a revolutionary understanding of why we live and love as we do.

The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality

Sex at Dawn

A practical guide for those who want to make a difference in the world, but often base their decisions on assumptions and emotions. Effective altruism is a data-driven approach to making a tremendous impact regardless of resources. This book includes five key questions to guide altruistic decisions and dispels many common misconceptions about doing good. MacAskill urges readers to use evidence and careful reasoning rather than acting on impulse to achieve the greatest possible positive outcome.

How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference

Doing Good Better

This book is a riveting account of one man's battle with esophageal cancer and his refusal to cower in the face of death. Hitchens explores how disease transforms experience and changes our relationship to the world around us. Personal and philosophical, this testament to the human predicament is a courageous and lucid work of literature.

Mortality

Explore the genetic strategies behind everything from our sexual preferences to our office politics in this provocative science book. Delve into questions surrounding monogamy and cheating, and how they affect our morality and public policies. Get ready to challenge your beliefs and learn about the fascinating genetic influences on human behavior.

Why We Are, the Way We Are

The Moral Animal

Exploring the intersection of science and ethics, this provocative book challenges traditional views on emerging social issues. With a focus on the brain, prominent neuroscientist Michael S. Gazzaniga delves into the morality of genetic design and when life technically begins and ends. A courageous and thought-provoking read that presents new moral principles for the 21st century.

The Science of Our Moral Dilemmas (P.S.)

The Ethical Brain

Discover a rare education on complicated issues and controversies we face in public life today. Justice offers a lucid and engaging guide for those who yearn for a more thoughtful public discourse. Michael Sandel confronts us with concepts that lurk beneath our conflicts, relating the big questions of political philosophy to the most vexing issues of the day, and showing how a surer grasp of philosophy can help us make sense of politics, morality, and our own convictions. An essential new addition to the small shelf of books that speak convincingly to the hard questions of our civic life.

What's the Right Thing to Do?

Justice

Explore the intersection of philosophy and psychology in this thought-provoking book. Award-winning psychologist Jonathan Haidt delves into enduring maxims such as "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" and "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," and shows how they can bring more happiness and fulfillment to our lives. A truly transformative read.

Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

The Happiness Hypothesis

Explore universal ethics and basic human goodness with this inspiring book by the Dalai Lama. Despite the negativity in the news, the author believes that people are inherently good and that our survival depends on this goodness. Ethics for the New Millennium offers a moral system based on universal principles that can help individuals of all religions and beliefs find happiness. Discover a more fulfilling life with the wisdom and guidance of this remarkable teacher.

Ethics for the New Millennium

Explore the connection between science and morality with this thought-provoking book. Follow the history of how thinkers, from Galileo to Martin Luther King Jr., have applied scientific techniques to non-physical disciplines. Discover how the scientific way of thinking has made people and society more moral by promoting abstract reasoning, rationality, empiricism, and skepticism. Learn how this innovative approach has led to advances in democracy, justice, and understanding of the natural world.

How Science Makes Us Better People

The Moral Arc

Explore the hidden pattern behind the evolution of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with Robert Wright's groundbreaking book. Through the lenses of archaeology, theology, and evolutionary psychology, Wright overturns basic assumptions and unveils a previously unrecognized logic that points towards future harmony. This visionary look forward challenges conventional wisdom and affirms the validity of the religious quest in our modern world.

The Evolution of God

Explore the most pressing ethical challenges of our time with this classic introduction to applied ethics. This updated edition by Peter Singer includes a new chapter on climate change and tackles questions like whether it's ethical to buy luxuries when others are starving and if we should support the meat industry. You'll also delve into issues of discrimination, abortion, euthanasia, and environmental preservation. With clear prose and compelling arguments, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in how to live an ethical life.

Practical Ethics

Explore the biological origins of human morality with esteemed primatologist Frans de Waal in this engaging discussion of his landmark research. Through vivid tales from the animal kingdom and philosophical analysis, de Waal argues that moral behavior comes from within and is a product of evolution. He provides fascinating new evidence for the seeds of ethical behavior in primate societies, emphasizing our connection with animals and drawing on the long tradition of humanism. The result is a heartening and inclusive new perspective on human nature and our struggle to find purpose in our lives.

Curiosity List: Ethics