#2480
Mentioned in 11 episodes

The Ape that Understood the Universe

Book • 2018
The book delves into how humans evolved from mere apes into beings capable of reshaping the planet and understanding the universe.

It draws on evolutionary psychology and cultural evolutionary theory to explain human behavior, sex differences, sexual behavior, altruistic tendencies, and culture.

The author uses the perspective of a hypothetical alien scientist to examine human nature, highlighting how genes and memes interact to shape our species.

The book discusses the evolution of culture, including the natural selection of memes, and how this transformation has enabled humans to dominate the planet and explore beyond it.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 11 episodes

Mentioned by the host as the best overview of evolutionary psychology, accessible and engaging.
6,993 snips
#780 - Tim Ferriss - The Lessons, Hacks & Books That Changed My Life
Recommended by
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Chris Williamson
when discussing male adolescent development.
392 snips
#835 - 2.5M Q&A - Naval Ravikant, Quitting Alcohol & Having Kids
Mentioned by
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Gurwinder Bhogal
as a source for understanding evolutionary theory and cumulative culture.
200 snips
#602 - Gurwinder Bhogal - 14 Shocking Lessons About Human Nature
Recommended by
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Chris Williamson
as one of his favorite books and a book that changed his worldview.
193 snips
#786 - Steve Stewart-Williams - Why Are Differences Between Men & Women Being Denied?
Mentioned by
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Chris Williamson
as a self-development book.
149 snips
#616 - 800k Q&A - Diary Of A CEO, Alex Hormozi & Body Positivity
Mentioned by Joshua Citarella as a book read by Luigi Mangione in a reading group.
74 snips
Episode 425: The Blue Light Killer
Recommended by
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Chris Williamson
as a primer on evolutionary psychology.
57 snips
#574 - 600k Q&A - Masculinity Crisis, Overrated Thinkers & Lex Fridman
Recommended by
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Chris Williamson
as a book on evolutionary psychology, following a listener's enjoyment of "The Expectation Effect".
37 snips
#525 - 500k Q&A - Casual Sex, Political Idiots & Dealing With Depression
Mentioned by
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Chris Williamson
when discussing the effect of long-term relationships on attractiveness.
34 snips
#432 - Geoffrey Miller - An Evolutionary Psychologist's Dating Advice
Mentioned by
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Chris Williamson
when discussing the Westermarck effect.
15 snips
#310 - Adam Lane Smith - 15 Harsh Psychology Truths
Recommended by
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Chris Williamson
as a fantastic book on evolutionary psychology.
12 snips
#498 - Roy Baumeister - The Mystery Of Female Sex Drive
Mentioned by
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Chris Williamson
while discussing his interest in evolutionary psychology.
#289 - 100k Q&A - Sam Harris, Brian Rose & Podcast Tips

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