"Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stärker." Okay, Nietzsche may not have had my reading this book in mind when he said that, but, true, this was a bit of a struggle for me to read, and I feel stronger for having done so, in the end. From facts offered by the author that I may never fully grasp, to facts abundantly clear to me even before reading this book, but now confirmed by one really sharp guy, and everything in between, this was quite a roller coaster ride for me. Folks, this is the full meal deal on behavior. From brain cells to prison cells, how and why we do what we do is in here. In my view, a reader simply has to read it to find out fully what I mean. I will add just this: I hoped I would find some insight into how very differently large segments of the American public is behaving, of late. I had my suspicions and my beliefs about that going into this book, and I was not disappointed. Much of what I already thought might be the case, has been confirmed or clarified, but, most importantly, I now am much better equipped to absorb and respond in meaningful, precise way to what I am apparently destined to confront for the next several years at least. I admit, one shouldn't have to read this book before confronting your errant relatives at Thanksgiving dinner, but -- trust me -- it would actually help.

Discovered Sapolsky from his lectures online and had to buy this book. It greatly sums up a lot of that lecture material while adding incredible insight and research. I reference this book often in conversations political, spiritual or otherwise. It's a great read.

Brilliant! Can’t believe I had it for more than 5 years collecting dust on a shelf because it’s so big, it’s intimidating. Definitely a favourite.

Fantastic read!

The best "don't be a dick" guide ever published is in the epilogue of this book--should be required reading before you can join ANY community!

This is a completely fascinating book--the author describes inappropriate behavior caused by mental functions and then demonstrates them with his own social bias! it is CLASSIC and super fun experience! The appendix's on proteins, neurotransmitters, etc are all VERY good. the Scientific Literature review is playful and insightful. Well written for a general reader with snappy snarky footnotes...After amazing overviews of the field, the author (who, like most Stanford intellectuals, is clearly traumatized by Trump and the sins of the world) makes ridiculous claims about Conservatives...demonstrates standard YUPPIE generational hand wringing about Vietnam and other violent situations...provides outstanding & dismissive summaries of academic rivals...In his writing, he does all the things he warns will happen if you do not understand brain physiology and chemistry. The book is profoundly self referential--think Finnegan's Wake as a Freshmen Neurology text book...

Infinitely quotable & required reading for suburban dinner parties, I cannot recommend this book enough!

Seriously, read this thing--it is GREAT!