BLUEPRINT The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society

The author/narrator has the perfect vocal tone and style for drawing listeners into his discussion of how people connect with others in effective communities. Countering the view that humans are primarily aggressive and self-centered, he draws on his extensive knowledge of the socioeconomic, biosocial, and evolutionary causes of behavior to argue that people are wired to cooperate, respect individual identity, and embrace their commonalities. His laid-back enthusiasm for this body of knowledge makes his performance especially effective. Delivering inspiring stories of people creating cooperative structures and caring for each other, his cheery confidence is prominent. But he also knows how to keep it throttled back so that listeners will find their curiosity genuinely stimulated, rather than feeling pulled in by an author who sounds too excited about his own ideas. T.W. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2019]