The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature (Penguin Press Science) by [Matt Ridley]
by Matt Ridley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 375 ratings
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Length: 416 pages
Sex is as fascinating to scientists as it is to the rest of us. A vast pool of knowledge, therefore, has been gleaned from research into the nature of sex, from the contentious problem of why the wasteful reproductive process exists at all, to how individuals choose their mates and what traits they find attractive. This fascinating book explores those findings, and their implications for the sexual behaviour of our own species. It uses the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland who has to run at full speed to stay where she is as a metaphor for a whole range of sexual behaviours. The book was shortlisted for the 1994 Rhone-Poulenc Prize for Science Books.
Animals and plants evolved sex to fend off parasitic infection. Now look where it has got us. Men want BMWs, power and money in order to pair-bond with women who are blonde, youthful and narrow-waisted a brilliant examination of the scientific debates on the hows and whys of sex and evolution Independent.
Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Top reviews
Top review from Australia
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and fascinating.
Reviewed in Australia on 11 January 2017
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Wow... this is a great book. I feel that after reading it i have a much greater grasp of both male and female actions and behaviors. There were so many aha moments and i am looking forward to reading it again to soak it all in. The first few chapters are a little slow, but are necessary to better understand the second half of the book.
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K Lidington
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy reading, endless problem, try this on your MP
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 January 2020
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One of the few books you can knock off in a day and miss nothing. Published in 2006, it is in some sense 'out of date', but as the problem has not gone away it is still 'current'.
Nicely describes the causes of the frustrations that anyone who has ever tried to get anything done faces, as well as the some of the loopholes that are exploited by the unscrupulous. Funny in parts, as all human stupidity is funny, I just wish I was not paying for it.
A good title to start the subject with — then move on to Red Tape and The Secret Barrister. You will then have a full understanding of why your taxes are so high, public faith in the public sector is so low and why your politicians need to have their nose pushed into the miserable mess they have presided over for so (too) long.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars A challenge to the ego
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 January 2017
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The author deserve praise for daring to put so many arguments which challenge entrenched views, a trawl through the reviews of others show a predictable division between those willing to accept challenging ideas an those whose toes and egos have been firmly 'trodden on' .
What is revealed is that many feminists (and women ) have intense egos and to reveal the predominace of the female in nature 'spoils one or two peoples game' denying 'power without responsibility' which inevitably arises from blaming everything bad on one gender
3 people found this helpful
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Jay
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, a must read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 November 2019
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Just a wonderful book for anyone interested in an easy to read book about evolution and why are most likely enemy is the world of micro-organisms. Well written and still relevant. I ordered as gift for friend who loved it.
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R Great
5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly interesting, to the point, and full of evolutionary ideas
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 October 2020
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The most interesting read I've had in a long time. The book doesn't bend over for political correctness; instead it describes the science succinctly and without hesitation.
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Emile
5.0 out of 5 stars A rabbit hole into reality
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2019
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A fantastic read. Concise and eloquent account of the nature of human beings. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to open their eyes and understand the fundamental nature of our species and what pressures helped guide us to be the most powerful animal the planet has ever seen.
2 people found this helpful
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