“…[brings] fresh perspectives and thought-provoking insights to
this frequently misinterpreted human, and nonhuman, imperative
... Barber clearly outlines altruism’s impact on the individual,
then extrapolates his findings to encompass the world at
large.”- Booklist "... provides a well written, accessible, and
much welcomed discussion of moral beliefs and moral behavior
from an evolutionary perspective. The insightful discussion of
kindness and cruelty will stimulate debate, and provide an
excellent introduction to these issues for the nonspecialist and
an excellent review for students of evolutionary thinking. I
highly recommend this book for anyone interested in human
morality." David C. Geary Professor and Chair Department of
Psychological Sciences University of Missouri What do mutual
grooming, politeness, priestly celibacy, military heroism, car
insurance, and overwork have in common? All are probable
examples of the recently discovered evolutionary mechanism
called “reciprocal altruism.” Put simply, th