The Evolution of Beauty

How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World - and Us

Richard O. Prum

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Book Synopsis

"The Evolution of Beauty" by Richard O. Prum is a captivating exploration of the role of beauty in the natural world. Prum challenges traditional views by suggesting that beauty plays a vital role in evolution and has shaped life on Earth in ways that go beyond mere survival.

Through the author's rich storytelling, readers are taken on a journey spanning diverse species and environments. Prum highlights the intricacies of ornamentation and displays in animals, showcasing how they have evolved to attract mates and enhance reproductive success.

Drawing on extensive research, Prum presents compelling arguments for the idea that aesthetics in nature are not driven solely by adaptation, but instead arise through individual preferences and desires. He delves into the controversial topic of sexual selection, shedding light on the intricate connections between beauty, desire, and evolutionary processes.

Prum's thought-provoking exploration extends far beyond the natural world, linking the evolution of beauty to key aspects of human society. He challenges societal norms and questions the prevailing ideals of beauty, urging readers to reconsider their conceptions and embrace diversity.

"The Evolution of Beauty" offers an accessible and illuminating perspective on the importance of beauty in the natural world and the profound impact it has on our understanding of evolution. Prum's engaging storytelling and well-supported arguments make this book a captivating read for both scientific enthusiasts and those curious about the wonders of nature.

Explore More Books

See All
Conspiracy
The Master Algorithm
The End of Power
The Sleep Revolution
Mathematician's Delight
Money: Master The Game
Wanting
The Adventures of Henry Thoreau
Brave Enough
Howard Hughes
The Blank Swan
The Works
The Great Mental Models
Mycelium Running
Steal Like an Artist
Sunset at Blandings
A Walk in the Woods
A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories
The Vision of the Annointed
Not Fade Away
The Fabric of Civilization
Einstein's Dreams
As I Lay Dying
Evolving Ourselves
The Heart of Yoga
Medieval Technology and Social Change
The Upanishads
The Golden Trade of the Moors
Essays and Lectures
Secrets of Closing the Sale
Days of Rage
The Only Game In Town
The God That Failed
As A Man Thinketh
The Origins of Virtue
The Trap
Ponzi's Scheme
On Intelligence
Flow
Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople
Crossing the Chasm
Superforecasting
Why We Get Fat
Natural Born Heroes
Richard Feynman
One Billion Hungry
Think Like
Birth of a Theorem
The Startup Community Way
This Is Your Brain on Music
The Fifth Season
Good Economics For Hard Times
Public Opinion
Plentiful Energy
The Civil Rights Era
The Clash of the Cultures
Where Mountains Roar
Fallen Dragon
Diocletian and the Roman Recovery
Moonwalking with Einstein
Dirt to Soil
The Minefield Girl
QED
Debt
Paradigms
Powerful
Something Deeply Hidden
The Path to Love
Francis Crick
The Economics of Microfinance
Michael Jordan
The Tiger
No Applause - Just Throw Money
How To Lie With Statistics
Walking
Without Their Permission
Life Ascending
Future Forward
The Economic Consequences of the Peace
If At Birth You Don't Succeed
The Coddling of the American Mind
Beyond Entrepreneurship
The Underdog Founder
Rise of the Dungeon Master
Bargaining for Advantage
The Rosie Effect
This Is How They Tell Me The World Ends
The Culture of Narcissism
The Most Powerful Idea In The World
Black Box Thinking
The Business Blockchain
The Rise and Fall of the British Empire
How An Economy Grows and Why It Crashes
The Complete Novels of Jane Austen
Boom
The Lights in the Tunnel
Stuff and Nonsense
Rubicon
Tomorrow's Table
Intellectuals