Human Instinct: How our primeval impulses shape our modern lives [Hardcover]

Robert Winston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 2003

From the ambition to be successful in our careers to what we will have for lunch each day, instinct is the invisible motivating force that shapes our world. But how well do these instincts, our most basic modes of interacting with the world, equip us for modern life? We are driven to pursue material wealth and status. We have an innate impulse to find a mate, to fight to protect our young, and to find food and shelter. In Human Instinct, which accompanies a BBC1 television series, Robert Winston takes us to the forefront of modern science, exploring our instincts and gaining a deeper insight into the wonderful complexity of human nature.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A fascinating investigation of our most basic instincts, accompanying a major 4-part (one hour each) BBC1 television series.

From the Publisher

Whether we know it or not, our daily lives are shaped by powerful currents of instinct. The conscious and unconscious decisions we all make are deeply affected by an ancient genetic program: our ambition and lust, our drives to compete and cooperate are essential components of the human mind, forged among our ancestors on the African savannah. Instincts were instrumental in the evolutionary success of the species, and success meant a fondness for sex and violence, for status and wealth—and a will to survive. From ordering lunch to one–night stands, human behavior is still heavily influenced by this genetic agenda. But how well do instincts equip us for the 21st century? Do instincts help or hinder us as we deal with large anonymous cities, low–level stress, and the fracturing of communal life? In this engrossing study, Robert Winston takes us deep into the human mind in search of the answers to these questions and more. Robert Winston is one of Britain’s leading scientists. As a consulting physician and Professor of Fertility Studies at the University of London, he has pioneered in vitro fertilization and been a leading voice in the debate on genetic engineering. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Transworld Publishers (April 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059305024X
• ISBN-13: 978-0593050248
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,681,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fundamentals of Genetic Psychology, March 24, 2003

By 

Dr. Robin Chang (New Bedford, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Human Instinct: How our primeval impulses shape our modern lives (Hardcover)

This book has been one of the most interesting readings I have had. It covers quite adequately all the basis of the new field of evolutionary psychology. While most people take human instincts for granted, studying the origins of these subconscious emotions enables us to understand behavior and psychology of homo sapiens better, and to appreciate precious human lives on earth that much more. It complements Richard Dawkins' book "The Selfish Gene" and fills in some of its holes, with some more up-to-date examples, including the dreaded Al-Quada. Nevertheless, it is not as mathematical, and it allows for easier reading for both scientists and non-scientists alike.

Winston is not an atheist evolutionist as you might think. He stated quite clearly in this book that he had utmost respect for God and religions, which towards the end confused me a little bit.

This book does NOT assume the infallibility of the theory of evolution, although it does assume a very primitive knowledge of it. For those of you who consider this book still not fundamental enough, feel free to ask me any questions. I should be able to help you close the gaps. (By the way, I am not a personal friend of, nor related to, Winston nor his affiliates.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat Interesting, April 14, 2009

By 

Jonathan (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Human Instinct: How Our Primeval Impulses Shape Our Modern Lives (Paperback)

Robert Winston is a simpler version of Richard Dawkins. Winston's writing is easier to understand and more interesting than a lot of other writers on the subject. As with any foray into scientific understanding, it would be best not to believe one man's views alone, but to balance it with the views of others to obtain an objective perception of the subject. Basically, while this book may be more interesting than others, one should read other books as well. Try Dawkins, Sagan, Gould or even Diamond. There are some varied ideas here and you can slowly see how they are different, not as scientists, but as people and this may give you a better insight into how they approach the subject and write about it.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very relevant book on human behaviour and its origins., November 19, 2003

By 

Mostyn (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Human Instinct: How Our Primeval Impulses Shape Our Modern Lives (Paperback)

In Human Evolution, Robert Winston explores and explains the inescapable fact that human behaviour has its origins in our ancestry on the savannah of Africa. He goes on to explain various aspects of human behaviour originated with ancient humans and our pre-human ancestors and how our primitive instincts affect human behaviour today.

Winston presents his book in a balanced and objective manner. He notes where uncertainty exists in his conclusions, and covers some sensitive issues related to the darker side of human character with typical objectivity.

The book is well written, and very understandable. I enjoyed reading Human Evolution greatly and found its insights to be most revealing and intriguing. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who ever thinks or philosophises about human nature. I'm disappointed to see that at this time Human Nature is rated at 1,100,000 as it deserves to be a lot higher.