Customer Reviews
How the evolution of mating affects your dating - By: Rolf Dobelli, 11 Dec 2006 
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, & produces intriguing results, disconcerting insights & valuable explanations. Using observations from the animal world & from many studies conductedin various societies, he provides a theoretical framework based on Darwin's theory of natural selection. Give Buss credit for elaborately fittingin almost every conceivable puzzle inherentin human mating relationships - even though this, admittedly, at times requires quite a stretch of his evolutionary theory. We recommend 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.
Harmony between the sexes - By: Stephen A. Haines, 15 Jan 2006 Buss has taken the story of human evolution a significant step forward with this comprehensive study. As with the other mammals, human mating behaviour is a compelling subject of study. In this comprehensive account, Buss ranges over the many aspects we associate with mating, from conflict through pain to legislation. Mating practices, whether human or other animal, are the product of evolutionary pressures. Until we recognize those roots, Buss argues, we will never fully understand many elements affecting our lives. One of the first elements to consider is that both men & women have short- & long-term mating strategies. These "programs" must be takenin account when dealing with relationship issues.
Buss is forthright about the study of evolutionary psychology & human social activities. He asserts that many roles, under attack by some peoplein our society, are deeply rootedin our background. We will never legislate them away nor be able to ignore them. There are inherent differences between the sexes, & these must be recognized for what they are. Society has attempted to smother some of these differences, & failure to stifle natural urges have likely led to more social suffering than any other single cause.
Buss goes further than simply calling for more attention to the basis for our mating behaviour. He notes some surprising aspects of our relationships. The "henpecked husband" is more prevalent than even our comedians would expect. Males, especiallyin a long-term relationship Buss argues, will become more submissive than females. They will change or accept demands more than those just entering a liaison. This certainly refutes the long-held stereotype of submissive women. On the assumption readers will seek out his chapter on rape, there are no end of surprises here. Although few would argue ape is an adapted evolutionary strategy, the demographics of rape do show a relation with normal patterns of male sexual behaviour.
This book is the result of a massive amount of research undertaken over many human societies. Not simply a quick snapshot of a few people from the Western world, the information here has been gleaned over many years & many cultures. The patterns Buss describes are universals of the human population. Nor is this simply a dry academic study. Buss is aware of social issues, personal & gender prejudices & legal considerations. He is careful to note that evolutionary roots are not "genetic determinism" & men & women are not "doomed" to follow particular behaviours. As he puts it, "understanding why sexual strategies have developed & what functions they were designed to serve provides a powerful fulcrum of changing behaviour." His candid approach, combined with a style designed to impart information without overwhelming his readers, makes this a valuable book. More teachers, legislators & counselors should read & apply Buss' findings. His work should eliminate many prejudices if properly applied. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
A fascinating read - By: , 11 Oct 2005 I studied this book six years ago as part of my psychology course at university. I found it an absolutely fascinating & highly interesting read. so much so, that despite having leant the book to someone many years ago, & not getting it back, I still find myself thinking about it. I think i'll buy another one.
lacks scientific evidence - By: , 17 Mar 2002 
This book may be interestingin parts, but on the whole it contradicts itself, it is bias & focusses on male desire alone. It is accessible though & easy to read & may be a good starting point for those interestedin the evolution of sexual desire.
interesting - By: , 12 Oct 2001 
I found this book interesting, but it was bias & many of the studies conducted were donein such a way as to simply confirm ideas that our society already has & reinforced stereotypes. There wasn't anything that excited me or taught me things i do not already know. Many of the studies were just done on men & not on women which shows that many of the results were already assumed. I think that there are many thingsin life that cannot be explained & reductionistic thinking such as David M Buss's only takes us further from the truth ..... he makes too many claims when his evidence is not strong enough. I know many many men who do not fit the profiles described by Buss, & many many women who certainly do not ..... (i really do not know that many young beautiful women who would want to have sex with a rich old man over a youthful, fit & gorgeous one). Also, who conducted all the surveys? There are many things that are acceptable for men to say & not for women to say .... & there are many other factors that need to be considered, such as cultural influence so surveys can't be assumed to be the definitive & factual.
Reproduction isn't our sole purposein this world anyway..... how would you explain creativity, friendship etc .... as humans i believe we have a deeper purposein life than just sex.
It's a good book to read but i would read a lot more before forming opinions. Buss cannot claim to know these things for certain.... things that people have been asking for centuries & centuries.
