The trouble with testosterone : and other essays on the biology of the human predicament

[conversion to pdf]Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize From the man who Oliver Sacks hailed as “one of the best scientist/writers of our time,” a collection of sharply observed, uproariously funny essays on the biology of human culture and behavior. In the tradition of Stephen Jay Gould and Oliver Sacks, Robert Sapolsky offers a sparkling and erudite collection of essays about science, the world, and our relation to both. “The Trouble with Testosterone” explores the influence of that notorious hormone on male aggression. “Curious George’s Pharmacy” reexamines recent exciting claims that wild primates know how to medicate themselves with forest plants. “Junk Food Monkeys” relates the adventures of a troop of baboons who stumble upon a tourist garbage dump. And “Circling the Blanket for God” examines the neurobiological roots underlying religious belief. Drawing on his career as an evolutionary biologist and neurobiologist, Robert Sapolsky writes about the natural world vividly and insightfully. With candor, humor, and rich observations, these essays marry cutting-edge science with humanity, illuminating the interconnectedness of the world’s inhabitants with skill and flair. As a professor of biology and neuroscience at Stanford and a recipient of a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant," Robert Sapolsky carries impressive credentials. Best of all, he's a gifted writer who possesses a delightfully devilish sense of humor. In these essays, which range widely but mostly focus on the relationships between biology and human behavior, hard and intricate science is handled with a deft touch that makes it accessible to the general reader. In one memorable piece, Sapolsky compares the fascination with tabloid TV to behavior he's observed among wild African baboons. "Rubber necks," notes the professor, "seem to be a common feature of the primate order." In the title essay of The Trouble with Testosterone, Sapolsky ruminates on the links, real or perceived, between that hormone and aggression.Covering such broad topics as science, politics, history, and nature, the author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers writes accessible and interesting essays that explore the human struggle with moral and ethical problems in today's world. 20,000 first printing. Told with Robert Sapolsky's unique combination of wit, compassion, and scientific expertise, The Trouble with Testosterone is equal parts enlightening and entertaining. This collection of essays'Sapolsky's first'unpack the biological bases of human culture and behavior, revealing how glands and hormones, hard-wired emotions and instinctual responses underlie so many of the characteristics we might think are functions or our personality or our cultural heritage. The man who Oliver Sacks hailed as "One of the best scientist/writers of our time," shows himself to be at his best in these sharply observed, uproariously funny essays, and he doesn't disappoint Dedication Introduction Acknowledgments 1: How Big Is Yours? 2: Primate Peekaboo 3: The Night You Ruined Your Pajamas 4: Measures of Life 5: The Young and the Reckless 6: The Solace of Patterns 7: Beelzebub’s SAT Scores 8: Poverty’s Remains 9: Junk Food Monkeys 10: The Burden of Being Burden-Free 11: The Trouble with Testosterone 12: The Graying of the Troop 13: Curious George’s Pharmacy 14: The Dangers of Fallen Soufflés in the Developing World 15: The Dissolution of Ego Boundaries and the Fit of My Father’s Shirt 16: Why You Feel Crummy When You’re Sick 17: Circling the Blanket for God About Robert M. Sapolsky Endnotes Copyright How Big Is Yours? -- Primate Peekaboo -- The Night You Ruined Your Pajamas -- Measures Of Life -- The Young And The Reckless -- The Solace Of Patterns -- Beelzebub's Sat Scores -- Poverty's Remains -- Junk Food Monkeys -- The Burden Of Being Burden-free -- The Trouble With Testosterone -- The Graying Of The Troop -- Curious George's Pharmacy -- The Dangers Of Fallen Soufflés In The Developing World -- The Dissolution Of Ego Boundaries And The Fit Of My Father's Shirt -- Why You Feel Crummy When You're Sick -- Circling The Blanket For God. Robert M. Sapolsky. A Touchstone Book. Includes Bibliographical References.