**Inspired by the abundance of unique personalities available on dating
websites, a renowned neuroscientist examines the science of what makes
you, you.
**David J. Linden has devoted his career to understanding the biology
common to all humans. But a few years ago he found himself on OkCupid.
Looking through that vast catalog of human diversity, he got to
wondering: What makes us all so different? Unique is the riveting
answer. Exploring everything from the roots of sexuality, gender, and
intelligence to whether we like bitter beer, Linden shows how our
individuality results not from a competition of nature versus nurture,
but rather from a mélange of genes continually responding to our
experiences in the world, beginning in the womb. And he shows why
individuality matters, as it is our differences that enable us to live
together in groups.
Told with Linden's unusual combination of authority and openness,
seriousness of purpose and wit, Unique is the story of how the factors
that make us all human can change and interact to make each of us a
singular person.