The Moral Animal is one of the most provocative science books in recent years, as well as one of the most genuinely important. As Wright presents the latest findings in the emerging field of evolutionary psychology--which views human behavior in light of Darwinian theory--Wright unveils the unconscious strategies that shape our romantic choices, familial feelings, friendships, and office politics. On a deeper level, this book compels us to rethink our most basic moral assumptions, with lasting implications for our public policy as well as for our intimate daily actions.

"A brilliant and troubling attempt to look into who we really are...Wright's book constantly goads the reader to introspection, to fresh perspectives about one's choices and place in society...A subtle and stimulating interpretation that deserves wide debate."
--The Boston Globe

"This clever and stimulating book is destined to become a classic...It is...an intellectual entertainment argued with wit and style."
--The Economist

Table of Contents

Part One: Sex, Romance, and Love
1. Darwin Comes of Age
2. Male and Female
3. Men and Women
4. The Marriage Market
5.  Darwin's Marriage
6. The Darwin Plan for Marital Bliss

Part Two: Social Cement
7. Families
8. Darwin and the Savages
9. Friends
10. Darwin's Conscience

Part Three: Social Strife
11. Darwin's Delay
12. Social Status
13. Deception and Self-Deception
14. Darwin's Triumph

Part Four: Morals of the Story
15. Darwinian (and Freudian) Cynicism
16. Evolutionary Ethics
17. Blaming the Victim
18. Darwin Gets Religion

Appendix: Frequently Asked Questions