pam on Nostr: Well the first time I read it I was against it, angry even. Second time I read it ...
Well the first time I read it I was against it, angry even. Second time I read it years later I decided to keep an open mind and understand that there are many perspectives, researchers, interpretations of theories, I’d agree with some and not others and that's ok. I think this is a book you have to keep an open mind on while reading it.
Understanding the sexual and carnal instincts doesn’t make us a slave to them, but it is rather empowering. When we recognize that these instincts exists in ourselves and others, it can encourage open communication in relationships.
Some things I have different takes on, like I believe being faithful is a choice and not determined by evolutionary excuses.
But sometimes it's also not always about resisting infidelity, it’s about emotional and mental alignment. Your journey evolves as a person and it makes all the difference whether both the committed parties can grow together or not. At the honeymoon phase we think everyone is flawless and perfect, but only when we start peeling the layers, do we really love the person for everything they are.
On cultural influence, I think it’s a double-edged sword. Cultural norms can have positive influence or act as a bondage - in both shaping expectations and subconscious biases especially on taboo topics like interracial or same-sex relationships or even suits vs overalls etc.
In underserved regions for example people feel repressed because of who they are, where they come from and historical prejudice. But there is also continuous prejudice against them by others be it society, government etc (systemic inequalities). The only way to break free from this type of cultural conditioning is for both parties (the underserved and the prejudiced parties) to acknowledge and make conscious efforts to eliminate bias.
And underserved regions here are not just traditional topics like racism but also others like economically underserved regions from developed countries.
I think the book is great in understanding from an evolutionary perspective but lacks nuances of individual choices and empowerment let alone their innate traits like creativity and critical thinking that influences evolution. We don’t have to accept every argument to find value in engaging with it. But I think choice is what makes us human.
Would love your take on it, especially on the balance between instinct, choice, and cultural influence that shapes our lives
Understanding the sexual and carnal instincts doesn’t make us a slave to them, but it is rather empowering. When we recognize that these instincts exists in ourselves and others, it can encourage open communication in relationships.
Some things I have different takes on, like I believe being faithful is a choice and not determined by evolutionary excuses.
But sometimes it's also not always about resisting infidelity, it’s about emotional and mental alignment. Your journey evolves as a person and it makes all the difference whether both the committed parties can grow together or not. At the honeymoon phase we think everyone is flawless and perfect, but only when we start peeling the layers, do we really love the person for everything they are.
On cultural influence, I think it’s a double-edged sword. Cultural norms can have positive influence or act as a bondage - in both shaping expectations and subconscious biases especially on taboo topics like interracial or same-sex relationships or even suits vs overalls etc.
In underserved regions for example people feel repressed because of who they are, where they come from and historical prejudice. But there is also continuous prejudice against them by others be it society, government etc (systemic inequalities). The only way to break free from this type of cultural conditioning is for both parties (the underserved and the prejudiced parties) to acknowledge and make conscious efforts to eliminate bias.
And underserved regions here are not just traditional topics like racism but also others like economically underserved regions from developed countries.
I think the book is great in understanding from an evolutionary perspective but lacks nuances of individual choices and empowerment let alone their innate traits like creativity and critical thinking that influences evolution. We don’t have to accept every argument to find value in engaging with it. But I think choice is what makes us human.
Would love your take on it, especially on the balance between instinct, choice, and cultural influence that shapes our lives