Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- How the brain work defines our behavior
- Ways our environment makes us aggressive
- How emotions and hormones impact our conduct
- To control our behavior the healthy way
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
The analysis of one’s life can predict human behavior
Imagine a world without aggression, where we stopped Hitler and prevented 9/11. Unfortunately, it’s impossible, but we can explore the motives and influences to lessen tension and create a better place for the next generations. Nowadays, human violence decreased compared to the past centuries, and Sapolsky feels hopeful about the future.Sapolsky provides us with a full-scale analysis of human behavior proved by practical observations and research in neuroscience, biology, behaviorism, ethology, and social studies. For newbies in the neurosciences, topics cover the information gradually evolving its complexity.
This summary focuses on one significant aspect and shows human behavior’s connections and ruling patterns. Starting from the brain structure and its functions, we will move to the next stop of the stereotypes about hormones (to break them). Then, we will discover what’s happening with toddlers inside and outside the mother's womb to answer whether it’s possible to ‘cure’ evilness.Do we indeed have free will, or is our behavior always triggered? There might be changes to the current justice system, including implementing scientific approaches. While the summary provides us with theory, it also gives us a chance to explore our own cultural and personal background that defines our characters now. Understanding universal rules makes decision-making more manageable, helps obtain desired results in professional and private life, and builds win-win relationships with others.
The brain size varies across adults and correlates with the level of intelligence — that moment when size matters.
second KEY POINT
The brain is a complex structure with layers
To analyze behavior, we must look at our brain from numerous levels: the nervous system, sensory stimuli, and hormones. The list can extend to the evolutionary processes that occurred millions of years before. This summary focuses on the key elements that define our best and worst behavior. The question, to begin with, is — why did that behavior occur?We will move chronologically back in time in an attempt to answer it, starting from the exact moment, then going back from the first seconds to years ago. These periods relate to exploring different aspects of neuroscience. So, what happened one second before? The first stop is neurobiology, a field that helps us understand the brain and its particular parts.According to the neuroscientist Paul MacLean, the brain consists of three primary levels:• The most ancient layer of the brain is responsible for essential regulatory functions such as hunger or body temperature.
• The next layer, the limbic system, is more recently evolved and directs a signal to the previous one based on received emotions. For instance, if we see a lion, neurons force layer 1 to start a stress response — freeze, run, or fight.
• The cortex is a newly developed layer covering more advanced memory storage functions, abstractions, philosophy, and cognition. It processes the information from the outer world, commands an emotional reaction to layer 2, and then influences layer 1.
Continue reading with Headway app
Continue readingFull summary is waiting for you in the app
first KEY POINT
Sensory information alters human behavior in different ways
second KEY POINT
Testosterone feels pleasurable because it boosts our confidence
third KEY POINT
Teenagers show increased emotionality in comparison to children and adults
fourth KEY POINT
Not poverty but inequality leads to violence due to the lack of trust
fifth KEY POINT
Non-literal things can literally harm us
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst about?
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, authored by Robert M. Sapolsky, explores the biological foundations of human behavior, examining how genetics, environment, and evolution shape our actions. The book delves into the interplay between biology and psychology, offering insights into why we act the way we do, from the most empathetic acts to violent behavior.
What are the key takeaways from Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst?
Some key takeaways from Behave include the idea that human behavior is influenced by a mix of genetic predispositions and social factors. Sapolsky emphasizes understanding the biological basis behind our actions can lead to more compassionate societal responses and better personal choices.
Is Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst worth reading?
Yes, Behave is definitely worth reading if you're interested in psychology, neuroscience, and how these fields intersect with human behavior. Sapolsky's engaging writing style and insightful analysis make complex concepts accessible and thought-provoking.
How many pages is Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst and when was it published?
Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst is 768 pages long and was published on May 27, 2017. Its comprehensive analysis and depth make it a significant contribution to understanding human psychology and behavior.
Who is the author of Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst?
The author of Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst is Robert M. Sapolsky, a renowned neuroscientist and primatologist. His expertise enriches the book, providing readers with a well-rounded view of the biological aspects of human actions.