The Origins of Virtue

Matt Ridley

The author is an academic turned journalist who seems to know about everything from game theory to anthropology. He is searching for the basis of virtue. Makes a good case that this is a fundamental human trait. Some fascinating game theory experiments are described. He deals well with the fallacy that genes are the only things that are evolving - culture is also evolving. A compelling and interesting book.

Sean commented that this sort of book is always convincing because the author has researched so much and knows so much more than the reader. Gavin thought that even if the author is wrong the book is still fascinating, and provides interesting explanations for the existence of anti-social things like warfare. However towards the end of the book the author goes too much towards the small is beautiful argument. He would undoubtedly approve of LETSBuzz.
Gavin 21/1/01

This is a treatise which aims to show that man's altruistic behaviour is a genetically determined trait that allows man to form societies which are the springboard for his place in the world. It is a convincing argument, although there are some unanswered questions, e.g. "Why is a person 'nice' one day and not the next?" He goes into "small is beautiful" territory.
Seán 25/03/01

This is well written and will appeal to non scientists. It contains no maths formulae. The author points out the parallels between human society and that of animals. He dismisses sociologists and economists and says trade goes back a very long way. He says that Ricardo's Law is the only non trivial theory in the history of sociology. ( A tribe will choose not to pursue certain activities so that they can trade with other tribes who do pursue that activity). We are programmed to look after our own interests and we can't relate to future generations.
Rory 20/1/02

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.