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
Moonwalking with Einstein
Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)
The World That Wasn't
The Origins of Virtue
The Politics Industry
Chapterhouse: Dune
Beyond The Blue
Parfit
The Case for Nationalism
How Asia Works
The Butterfly Defect
Healthy Buildings
The Richest Man in Babylon
Letters from a Stoic
Creating Shareholder Value
Mother of God
The Etymologicon
That Will Never Work
The Holy Bible
The Spectator
A Story Lately Told
#AskGaryVee
This Brave New World
Tao Te Ching
Execution
The Narrow Corridor
On Immunity
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Voltaire
Hard Drive
Class Warfare
Merchants of Truth
Grass Farmers
Distress
Great Short Poems
Roger Ailes: Off Camera
Twelve Against The Gods
Concentrated Investing
Thus Spoke the Plant
The Dog Stars
Makers
Different
Central Banking 101
The Oz Principle
The Romance of American Communism
The Medici Effect
Call of the Reed Warbler
The Model Thinker
The Rise And Fall Of American Growth
If I Could Tell You Just One Thing
I am Anne Frank
Ordinary Men
The Nature of the Beast
Carrying The Fire
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage
A Sense of Where You Are
The Essays of Warren Buffett
Active Inference
Determined
The Essential Wooden
I Love Capitalism
Creativity, Inc.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
How to Change Your Mind
Immortality
The Civil Rights Era
Too Big to Fail
The Tyranny of Experts
Alice in Wonderland
The Painted Bird
Crash Proof 2.0
American Buffalo
The Big Ship and Little Digger
The Half-Life of Facts
No Applause - Just Throw Money
A Cure for the Common Company
The Ascent of Money
Hillbilly Elegy
The Formula
Cuckoo
Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant
The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
The Robotics Primer
Presidents of War
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Play It Away
Excession
The Culture of Narcissism
Markings
The Fourth Revolution
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
Impromptu
Liar's Poker
The Fortunes of Africa
Dynasty
Courage
Essays In Persuasion
The Sixth Extinction
Nixonland
The Innovators Dilemma
Masters of Doom