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The Human Animal: A Personal View of the Human Species
This stunningly illustrated book provides new understanding of human behavior based on our almost identical genetic heritage. However much we may think we have evolved from our animal ancestors, Desmond Morris shows that our instinct and behavior are still rooted in our animal past. 140 full-color and 10 black-and-white photographs.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
46 people are currently reading
1830 people want to read
About the author
Desmond Morris
237 books571 followersDesmond John Morris (born 24 January 1928) is an English zoologist, ethologist and surrealist painter, as well as a popular author in human sociobiology. He is known for his 1967 book The Naked Ape, and for his television programmes such as Zoo Time.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 5, 2020
Shot Caller brought me here.
July 7, 2017
Very interesting book! I learned a lot about human beings by reading this book, specially how are social relationships work.
I recommend this book to everybody who likes knowing more about social psychology and to everybody who is curious about human beings. The book is very easy and fun to ready, with many awesome pictures to help at understanding his point.
I recommend this book to everybody who likes knowing more about social psychology and to everybody who is curious about human beings. The book is very easy and fun to ready, with many awesome pictures to help at understanding his point.
May 13, 2016
Everything here is presented as incontrovertible truth, with Dogmatic Des ramming all sorts of ideas down your throat with the word 'perhaps' liberally sprinkled to take away the bad taste. He openly scoffs at any other explanations but fails to back up his own - his 'conjecture as truth' policy is more than a little irritating. He dismisses all art and philosophy as 'adult play', and his views on pregnancy are voiced in such an arrogant, sneering manner I'm surprised Mrs Morris hasn't castrated him in his sleep. Maybe that's just my 'trace memories' talking. A soulless book.
September 29, 2020
Zoologist Desmond Morris looks at Homo sapiens as he would at any other animal: by observing the species, by seeing how the ‘naked ape’ (as Morris himself dubbed our species in an earlier book) behaves, creates, procreates, etc. Across a series of chapters (all with supporting colour photos to explain Morris’s theories), Morris examines various aspects of human life. He draws conclusions from archaeological evidence and other sciences to trace a prehistory of Homo sapiens (including the now mostly dismissed and always controversial ‘aquatic ape’ theory). He looks at how body language and gestures act as communication devices, both conscious and unconscious; he examines art, sex and romance, birthing and parenting, etc.
In the process, Morris draws parallels (or contrasts, as the case may be) with primates and/or apes, or other animals. He shows how human behaviour mirrors (or differs from) that of animals, he tries to show what really sets us apart from other animals. There are interesting facts and premises here, points to make one ponder, and intriguing details that would probably not be known to the average layperson.
But, there are things I didn’t agree with. The biggest irritant for me was the obviously Western-centric perspective of the book (even though he does provide examples, photos, and so on from other parts of the world, it’s clear that Morris thinks as a Westerner). For instance, he talks of how the old are now abandoned and sent off to old age homes (not yet the norm in much of the Third World), or how almost all snacking is on sweets (as an Indian, I couldn’t get my head around this one!).
Plus, given that this book was written in the 1990s, it’s odd how, even at this time, when women were already doing far more than just staying at home and being the stereotypical ‘good wife and mother’, Morris continues to talk of the workplace mostly in male terms. Hunting grounds for the man, who now converts his need for a ‘hunt’ into a need for ‘making a killing’ on the stock market, or ‘bringing home the bacon’. Morris, other than a passing reference to how workplace romances could affect marriages, completely glosses over the fact that women are now an integral part of the workforce.
If you’ve never read a Desmond Morris book before, this one can be enlightening and interesting, and it could make you think. If you’ve read other Morris books (I’ve read The Naked Ape and Manwatching) this may come across as very repetitive. With some justification, given that The Human Animal was written as a companion book to a BBC series based on some of Morris’s books, including The Naked Ape and Manwatching.
In the process, Morris draws parallels (or contrasts, as the case may be) with primates and/or apes, or other animals. He shows how human behaviour mirrors (or differs from) that of animals, he tries to show what really sets us apart from other animals. There are interesting facts and premises here, points to make one ponder, and intriguing details that would probably not be known to the average layperson.
But, there are things I didn’t agree with. The biggest irritant for me was the obviously Western-centric perspective of the book (even though he does provide examples, photos, and so on from other parts of the world, it’s clear that Morris thinks as a Westerner). For instance, he talks of how the old are now abandoned and sent off to old age homes (not yet the norm in much of the Third World), or how almost all snacking is on sweets (as an Indian, I couldn’t get my head around this one!).
Plus, given that this book was written in the 1990s, it’s odd how, even at this time, when women were already doing far more than just staying at home and being the stereotypical ‘good wife and mother’, Morris continues to talk of the workplace mostly in male terms. Hunting grounds for the man, who now converts his need for a ‘hunt’ into a need for ‘making a killing’ on the stock market, or ‘bringing home the bacon’. Morris, other than a passing reference to how workplace romances could affect marriages, completely glosses over the fact that women are now an integral part of the workforce.
If you’ve never read a Desmond Morris book before, this one can be enlightening and interesting, and it could make you think. If you’ve read other Morris books (I’ve read The Naked Ape and Manwatching) this may come across as very repetitive. With some justification, given that The Human Animal was written as a companion book to a BBC series based on some of Morris’s books, including The Naked Ape and Manwatching.
September 4, 2019
One of the best books I have ever read. Gives very interesting insights about evolution of human species, especially love and culture
February 22, 2024
Title: "Disappointing Exploration of Human Nature: A Review of 'The Human Animal'"
As a keen reader interested in delving into the complexities of human nature, I eagerly picked up 'The Human Animal' with high hopes. However, my enthusiasm quickly waned as I navigated through its pages, only to find myself deeply disappointed by the lackluster content and shallow insights presented within.
From the outset, the book promised a profound exploration of the intricate interplay between biology, psychology, and society in shaping human behavior. Yet, instead of delivering thought-provoking analysis and engaging discourse, 'The Human Animal' fell short, offering nothing more than a superficial rehashing of tired clichés and oversimplified anecdotes.
One of the most glaring shortcomings of the book is its failure to provide any meaningful depth or originality in its examination of human behavior. Rather than offering fresh perspectives or challenging preconceived notions, the author regurgitates well-worn stereotypes and pop psychology tropes, rendering the content predictable and uninspiring.
Moreover, 'The Human Animal' suffers from a severe lack of coherence and organization. The narrative meanders aimlessly from one topic to another, without any clear structure or overarching thesis to tie the disparate elements together. As a result, the reader is left feeling adrift in a sea of disjointed ideas, struggling to make sense of the jumbled mess presented before them.
Additionally, the writing style employed by the author leaves much to be desired. Dry and devoid of any real flair or personality, the prose lacks the spark needed to captivate and engage the reader. Instead of drawing the reader in with compelling storytelling or vivid imagery, the writing feels flat and lifeless, making it difficult to stay invested in the narrative.
Overall, 'The Human Animal' is a disappointingly shallow and poorly executed exploration of its titular subject matter. Lacking in originality, coherence, and compelling writing, it fails to deliver on its promise of shedding light on the complexities of human nature. Save yourself the disappointment and seek out more substantive works on the topic.
As a keen reader interested in delving into the complexities of human nature, I eagerly picked up 'The Human Animal' with high hopes. However, my enthusiasm quickly waned as I navigated through its pages, only to find myself deeply disappointed by the lackluster content and shallow insights presented within.
From the outset, the book promised a profound exploration of the intricate interplay between biology, psychology, and society in shaping human behavior. Yet, instead of delivering thought-provoking analysis and engaging discourse, 'The Human Animal' fell short, offering nothing more than a superficial rehashing of tired clichés and oversimplified anecdotes.
One of the most glaring shortcomings of the book is its failure to provide any meaningful depth or originality in its examination of human behavior. Rather than offering fresh perspectives or challenging preconceived notions, the author regurgitates well-worn stereotypes and pop psychology tropes, rendering the content predictable and uninspiring.
Moreover, 'The Human Animal' suffers from a severe lack of coherence and organization. The narrative meanders aimlessly from one topic to another, without any clear structure or overarching thesis to tie the disparate elements together. As a result, the reader is left feeling adrift in a sea of disjointed ideas, struggling to make sense of the jumbled mess presented before them.
Additionally, the writing style employed by the author leaves much to be desired. Dry and devoid of any real flair or personality, the prose lacks the spark needed to captivate and engage the reader. Instead of drawing the reader in with compelling storytelling or vivid imagery, the writing feels flat and lifeless, making it difficult to stay invested in the narrative.
Overall, 'The Human Animal' is a disappointingly shallow and poorly executed exploration of its titular subject matter. Lacking in originality, coherence, and compelling writing, it fails to deliver on its promise of shedding light on the complexities of human nature. Save yourself the disappointment and seek out more substantive works on the topic.
Currently reading
April 18, 2022Thus far there seems to be much controversy and debate over this book?
To which I say, Bravo.
Aren't the haters simply confirming the borderline Nietzschean theory that human beings simply are not even remotely as important as we think that we are ;-)
I am mainly reading this because it was seen I the final episode of that great series SHOTCALLER being read in jail by our beloved protagonist.
Of which there also appears to be much debate about.
Ugh. Yawn.
To which I say, Bravo.
Aren't the haters simply confirming the borderline Nietzschean theory that human beings simply are not even remotely as important as we think that we are ;-)
I am mainly reading this because it was seen I the final episode of that great series SHOTCALLER being read in jail by our beloved protagonist.
Of which there also appears to be much debate about.
Ugh. Yawn.
December 31, 2021
I think it was fine, can't remember
October 29, 2023
Was wel een geinig boek.
March 25, 2024
I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book. After that I was not so much into the art part.
January 5, 2008
Great pictures of human evolvement.
September 13, 2016
Very interesting
Want to read
February 26, 2018i want to read this book
Currently reading
March 11, 2018intersting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
September 8, 2018Txt
Read
December 21, 2018I think this book is interesting because it may give me a better understanding of the human psychology
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews