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The Evolution of Desire
Book

The Evolution of Desire

Strategies of Human Mating

David M. Buss
Basic Books, 2003
First Edition: 1994

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Why do women use makeup? Why do men like to buy big cars? Why do people feel jealous? Evolutionary psychologist David M. Buss digs deep into the ancient past of human relationships to answer such questions, and produces intriguing results, disconcerting insights and valuable explanations. Using observations from the animal world and from many studies conducted in various societies, he provides a theoretical framework based on Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Give Buss credit for elaborately fitting in almost every conceivable puzzle inherent in human mating relationships - even though this, admittedly, at times requires quite a stretch of his evolutionary theory. getAbstract recommends this "drop-dead shocker" (The Washington Post Book World) to anyone who has ever searched for, attracted, kept or separated from a mate - that is, anyone who is strong enough to face the unromantic truth.

Take-Aways

  • "Those in our evolutionary past who failed to mate successfully failed to become our ancestors."
  • Darwin said that "competition for a mate" and "preference for a mate" are the two mechanisms that determine whose genes are passed on to future generations.
  • In ancient times, women needed spouses who could guarantee their survival and that of their offspring. This led them to prefer prosperous, high-status, healthy men.

About the Author

David M. Buss is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, and the author of six books including Personality: Domains of Knowledge about Human Nature and The Dangerous Passion: Why Jealousy Is as Necessary as Love and Sex.

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    J. B. 2 years ago
    Women want men with status and resources

    The objective for human beings are to secure resources in order to perpetuate genetics

    Men must be prosperous, have a high status, be healthy and strong

    Women need signs of fertility health and beauty

    Mens strive for rank and wealth and in turn form alliances so they can hunt and go to war together
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    E. G. 5 years ago
    Women prefer status and rich. Men prefer beauty and young. Thanks, Cap!