The Dark Side of Man

By Michael P. Ghiglieri and Joshua Bilmes

Book Overview

In The Dark Side of Man, Michael Ghiglieri, a biologist and protege of Jane Goodall, takes on one of the most highly charged debates in modern science: the biological roots of bad behavior. Beginning with rape, and moving on to murder, war, and genocide, Ghiglieri offers the most up-to-date, comprehensive look at the male proclivity for violence. In a strong narrative voice, he draws on the latest research and his own personal experiences -- both as a primatologist and as a soldier -- to explain that male violence is largely innate, a product of millions of years of evolution. In the process, he debunks many of our most clung-to, "politically correct" notions: that the differences between men and women are strictly due to socialization, that rape is really about power -- not sex -- and that genocide is only possible with a single madman at the helm. Well-argued, evenhanded, yet never dull, this important book illuminates the darkest impulses of the male psyche, and suggests ways for modern society to curb them.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738203157
• ISBN13: 9780738203157
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Oh my goodness, say its not so!

Many will find this book disturbing, but I loved it. The best thing about this book is that Ghiglieri went right to the core issues and questions about violence -- deals with it all from rape to genocide -- nothing left out. While I do not think he has the full and final word on the subject, anyone who is serious about dealing with violence MUST read this book or they are automatically out of the loop and cannot be taken seriously. This means all anthropologists, sociologists, anyone in public adminstration, crime control (i.e, all justice/police/law enforcement departments), the Department of Defense and ESPECIALLY everyone who works in the State Department. Without exposure to the real roots of human violence, how can anyone deal with it? Note to the PC crowd: you just had your idealistic notions about human nature thoroughly and justifiably trashed. What say you now?

PC Police beware.

You will probably find that most other reviews of this book say something along the lines of "Interesting arguments, but..." or "Compelling stories, but..." We have grown accustomed to living well and find it almost incomprehensible that man at his basest nature is evil. We therefore try to caveat the common sense conclusions and compelling stories found in Dark Side of Man and say to ourself that things really can't be all that bad. People live better for a variety of reasons - God, parents, friends, a conscious decision to make society a better place. Dr. Ghiglieri shows what may happen to us when resources become scarce and we are forced to address our primary concern - survival. Don't let the politically correct naysayers dissuade you from reading this book. The book is not nearly as fatalistic as some may have you believe. The last chapter shows that we can all live better, be better. We of course are not apes. We can make decisions after all.

Superb

Michael's book is grounded in rock solid science and I just love this book. If you want to understand huMAN nature, this is one of the fine starting points. The subject matter is incredibly controversial and he handles it very well. Rape, violence, genocide, war...all the stuff men are good at are discussed here. The author's reasoning is compelling. This book is among my 100 all time favorites. Buy it, read it...

An outstanding read; cutting edge of sociological solutions

Ghiglieri's remarkable book provides a road map into the understanding of male human behavior. Merging the scientific disciplines of biology, psychology, sociology and anthropology, this outstanding book compiles a statistical and scientific foundation for America's next generation of thinkers. From the issue of gun control to problems with interracial relationships, Ghiglieri's considerations and conclusions reach the heart of virtually every contemporary social issue of concern to anyone who cares about the future of our society. It is a MUST read for every serious-minded American. Michael W. Worley

A well written, thought provoking look at violence

I highly recommend this objective, scientifically-grounded look at male violence. The book is filled with fascinating examples, anticdotes and statistics to support the author's hypothesis which often conflicts with society's traditional view of violence. Additionally, Dr. Ghiglieri's writing style is clear, concise and entertaining.This book is a must read for anyone with a curious mind and desire to be part of a better future.