A scientific exploration of some of humanity's most puzzling questions:
What is love? Why do we fall in (and out) of love? And why would we have
evolved to feel something so weird, with so many downsides?
Whether you live for Valentine's Day or are the type to forget your
wedding anniversary, love is, quite simply, part of being human. In The
Science of Love, renowned evolutionary anthropologist Robin Dunbar uses
the latest science to explore every aspect of human love. Why do we
kiss? What evolutionary benefit could there be to feeling like you would
die for your mate? If love exists to encourage child-bearing and
child-rearing, why do we love until death do us part (and beyond)? Is
parental love anything like romantic love? Dunbar explores everything
science has discovered about romance, passion, sex, and commitment,
answering these questions and more.
Draws on the latest scientific research to examine the many aspects of
love--passion, commitment, intimacy, hugging, kissing, monogamy,
cheating, and more--and explain why we have evolved to behave as we do.
Filled with fascinating insights into specific human behaviours and
experiences, from the European air kiss on both cheeks to the phenomenon
of love at first sight.
Written by Robin Dunbar, a prominent anthropologist and evolutionary
psychologist whose work have been featured in Malcolm Gladwell's The
Tipping Point and many other books.
