“Behave” by Robert M. Sapolsky

The author 🖋

Robert M. Sapolsky is a bestselling author, a highly respected neurobiologist, primatologist and professor at Stanford University.

He holds a B.A. from Harvard, a Ph.D. from Rockefeller University and has extensive experience in studying primates in their natural habitats (particularly baboons in Kenya).

Key takeaways 🎓

1. Two parts to our brain

Our prefrontal cortex governs rational thought and self-control.

Our amygdala is responsible for emotional responses like fear and anger.

Sometimes these parts work together and sometimes they don’t - the dynamic interplay between the signals of these two brain regions explains why the same person can exhibit both impulsive and reasoned behaviors.

2. Interplay of nature & nurture

Sapolsky illustrates that the dichotomy of nature versus nurture is overly simplistic.

Human behavior arises from the dynamic interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental influences.

Both our genes as well as what we go through in life combine to shape who we are and how we act.

3. Cultural influences

The society we live in also greatly affects our behavior.

Different cultures have different values - some focus on individual success, while others value group harmony.

These societal differences shape how we see ourselves, influence our moral beliefs and the way we behave in social settings.

Closing thoughts 🧠

The book challenges us to consider the multifaceted nature of our actions, advocating for a more compassionate approach to addressing problematic behaviors.

Sapolsky emphasizes that the way we behave can’t be attributed to a single cause - brain chemistry, hormones, genetics, cultural and environmental stimuli all play a huge role.