There are many feelings concerning this book. If you ever have the chance to watch a documentary, such as Criminal Case, On the Case, CSI, Hawaii 5-0, Discovery ID, and many, many material concerning crimes, most of them, if not all of them, happen because of male violence. That violence is easily explained and most of the horrible actions they commit too, can be explained via the evolutionary lens. Most of them happen for -sexual- reasons, betrayal, parenthood, jealousy, rejection, and most of them are commited by men.
Evolutionary lens and the study of primates (we are primates) really help us understand we are like that, and our behavior. Chimpanzees are our closest relatives, we share almost 99.8% of genetic similarity, and unfortunately they are violent, and patriarchal societies. But there are actually two species of apes that are this closely related to humans: bonobos (Pan paniscus) and the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). The analysis of Ulindi's complete genome, reported online today in Nature, reveals that bonobos and chimpanzees share 99.6% of their DNA. The researchers also found that bonobos share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans—about the same amount that chimps share with us. The book explains both societies: the chimp and the bonobo as well.
Richard L. Currier mentioned something about meat consumption and a violent trend (Neanderthals were more violent than Homo Sapiens) which I remembered whole reading this book, in the part were the author mentioned that chimps hunt in groups and eat the prey; they are amazing and successful hunters. Bonobos on the other hand, eat more fruits and roots like apes, and like meat but dont gorge on it. Its just the same as well. Bonobo's male violence towards females are really less compared to chimpanzee society. If you are looking for equality, the answer lies in evolutionary feminism (yes, it exists), is real compared to gender ideology.
Male humans are violent, men rape, men create coalitions, kill as many people as they can because of cognition biases and evolutionary baggage, however, there's no such thing as biological determinisn, and I deeply believe that education on knowing who we are -Temet Nosce- is gonna saves us from ourselves.
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Top reviews from other countries
Herbal D
A deeply troubling but illuminating look at male behaviour
Reviewed in Germany on February 14, 2021
P
Fantastic!
Reviewed in Japan on July 17, 2023
P
Reviewed in Japan on July 17, 2023
The authors begin by exploring the lives of various primate species, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas, to provide a comprehensive picture of the different social structures and dynamics at play. By skillfully weaving together findings from anthropology, biology, and psychology to highlight the complexities of primate societies and their similarities to human societies, as well as the broader and complicated history of biology and the social sciences.
One of the book's major strengths is its in-depth analysis of male aggression and dominance within primate groups, and how competition for resources and status among males has shaped the behavior of primate communities over millennia. By doing so, they effectively draw parallels between the behavior of our primate ancestors and some of the more disturbing aspects of human behavior in both modern and traditional societies.
The book also delves into the intriguing relationship between violence and sexuality, exploring the role of sexual selection in shaping male behavior. This examination provides valuable insights into the evolutionary roots of some of the most challenging aspects of human sexual dynamics, which is further explored in "The Goodness Paradox".
There is balanced tone, avoiding sensationalism while remaining accessible to both academics, as well as general readers like myself. They present compelling evidence without resorting to oversimplifications, making it a very worthwhile read for anyone interested in anthropology, psychology, or the natural world, if somewhat challenging in its implications.
One potential criticism of the book is its heavy focus on male aggression and its effects, and I would love to read a more in-depth exploration of female roles within primate societies as well as female aggression, both physical and relational.
Overall, "Demonic Males" is a captivating exploration of the darker instincts that humans share with their fellow primate. Through a skillful blend of scientific research and engaging storytelling, Wragham and Peterson offer readers a fascinating glimpse into the roots of aggression and dominance in our evolutionary history. Whether you are an enthusiast of anthropology or simply curious about the roots of aggressive behavior, this book is well worth the read.
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