MARK PAGEL

Expresses an infectious sense of wonder at the uniqueness of our species; it is hard not to be affected by his enthusiasm Sunday TimesWhat explains the staggering diversity of cultures in the world? Why are there so many languages, even within small areas? Why do we rejoice in rituals and wrap ourselves in flags? In Wired for Culture Mark Pagel, the worlds leading expert on human development, reveals how our facility for culture is the key to what makes us who we are.Shedding light on everything from art, morality and affection to jealousy, self-interest and prejudice, Pagel shows that we developed culture - cooperating together and passing on knowledge - in order to survive. Our minds are hardwired for culture, and it still determines how we speak, who we love, why we kill and what we think today.Human evolution may be the hottest area in popular science writing. Within this field, Wired for Culture stands out for both its sweeping erudition and its accessibility ... richly rewarding Financial Times Impressive for its detail, accuracy and vivacity Guardian Pioneering, vivid ... the best popular science book on culture so far Nature

Loshumanos somos capaces de los actos más altruistas o heroicos, y de los más beligerantes o destructivos.¿Cómo es posible conciliar aspectos tan dispares de nuestra naturaleza? Para responder a esta pregunta, Pagel nos llevaocho mil años atras, hasta el momento decisivo de nuestra historia evolutiva: el desarrollo de la cultura. Cuandonuestros ancestros empezaron a vivir en sociedades tribales mas numerosas, les resulto mas ventajoso trabajarconjuntamente y distanciarse de otras comunidades con las cuales competian por los recursos.