The Bonobo and the Atheist

By: Frans de Waal

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

In this lively and illuminating discussion of his landmark research, esteemed primatologist Frans de Waal argues that human morality is not imposed from above but instead comes from within. Moral behavior does not begin and end with religion but is in fact a product of evolution.

For many years, de Waal has observed chimpanzees soothe distressed neighbors and bonobos share their food. Now he delivers fascinating fresh evidence for the seeds of ethical behavior in primate societies that further cements the case for the biological origins of human fairness. Interweaving vivid tales from the animal kingdom with thoughtful philosophical analysis, de Waal seeks a bottom-up explanation of morality that emphasizes our connection with animals. In doing so, de Waal explores for the first time the implications of his work for our understanding of modern religion. Whatever the role of religious moral imperatives, he sees it as a "Johnny-come-lately" role that emerged only as an addition to our natural instincts for cooperation and empathy.

But unlike the dogmatic neo-atheist of his book’s title, de Waal does not scorn religion per se. Instead, he draws on the long tradition of humanism exemplified by the painter Hieronymus Bosch and asks reflective readers to consider these issues from a positive perspective: What role, if any, does religion play for a well-functioning society today? And where can believers and nonbelievers alike find the inspiration to lead a good life?

Rich with cultural references and anecdotes of primate behavior, The Bonobo and the Atheist engagingly builds a unique argument grounded in evolutionary biology and moral philosophy. Ever a pioneering thinker, de Waal delivers a heartening and inclusive new perspective on human nature and our struggle to find purpose in our lives.

©2013 Frans de Waal (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Amazingly Insightful View of Origins of Morality

Frans de Wall wrote one of the most sensible books imaginable that explores the roots of morality through his intimate and wide experience with our closest living relatives. The legacy of religion may well be rooted in our species' propensities to live socially as tribes. This is one of the most intellectually satisfying books that I have ever "read" (OK - listened to).

Well Researched and Informative

This was a well researched, informative book. I was not familiar with Frans de Waal's work before this book, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought there would be more focus on the Bonobo anecdotes, but there were enough to keep me entertained and interested. This book looks at the issue of what the source of morality and other behaviors is; it combines many areas of study, including religion, philosophy, science, sociology, psychology, and history. While parts of the book dragged a little, overall it was well done. There were some parts of the book that fascinated me and that I had never considered before, such as the yawn response in relation to empathy; I also particularly enjoyed the passages about specific behaviors usually only attributed to humans that are found in bonobos and other species. The narration was very good and easy to listen to.

Masterful presentation of interesting topic

The book really should have been titled "The Bonobo and Human Empathy". The two pillars of all philosophy are empathy and reciprocity. He completely examines the first pillar, empathy, by illustrating empathetic behavior in Bonobos (and other animals) and linking it to our behavior.

He's such a good writer even when he wrote about things I completely disagreed with I would find the book thought provoking. I thought he trivialized the arguments of Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens and John Stuart Mill. But, I'm not bothered. I believe what I believe and I appreciated the different perspective.

The narrator did a perfect job.

The book is much better than most pop science books I have listened to and I'm much richer for having listened to this highly entertaining book and can definitely say because of this book I'm much closer to my goal of understanding our place in the universe. He does talk about philosophy but I enjoyed those parts as much as I did about bonobos.

(P.S. Matt Ridley's book, "The Rational Optimist", fully covers the second pillar of human philosophy, reciprocity. Also, my personal take on the author he seemed like an apologetic atheist and he didn't want to offend anyone. But as I say, I wasn't bothered by this, but I disagreed with him regarding those sections. Also, he seemed to characterized the utilitarianism of John Stuart Mill in a comic book fashion. Once again I wasn't bothered but I don't want to leave the impression that I agreed with him on those two points).

Great info on primate behavior

Theme seemed force. A good read, as always, on primate behavior but the addition of the authors thoughts on atheism and "new atheism" just seem out of place. As if the author used the book as a platform to vent on his displeasure for outspoken atheists.

Informative and insightful writing!

I loved this book, not one dull sections throughout! Truly satisfying, upon it's conclusion, I am wishing there were more chapters and pages!

interesting but unfocused

Interesting case studies and examination of what it means to be human.

Fails to address some of the controversies of primate research, which I felt would have been nice.

Never reached an "aha" moment for me but I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration.

Not Enough Meat

Some interesting bonobo (and researcher) behaviors, in a thin soup of philosophy, often obvious and tedious. The reader gets bored and sometimes devolves into a sing-song tendentiousness.

great read

I am so glad this book exists. it's a wonderful read from beginning to end with poignant information on humans and animals and religion. this book it was so interesting it was hard to stop listening.

Every book by Frans de Waal is good.

If you could sum up The Bonobo and the Atheist in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating. Makes you look at the world differently. When you read several of his books you learn how they build upon each other.

Intriguing tale of roots of human psychology.

Would you listen to The Bonobo and the Atheist again? Why?

Yes, I would. I would want to refresh my memory of the connections between how ape societies work and how human societies and their ethics seem to function.

Who was your favorite character and why?

not a relevant question

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Davis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard him before, I don't think, but he is a superb narrator. He is not overdone, yet comes across with feeling and alertness.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed at several points of comparison among the great apes (including us). I also lost my patience with the author because he seems to trivialize and dumb down some real concerns among human societies.

Any additional comments?

The author is an excellent primatologist (I'm no judge, but the Yerkes institute doesn't hire mopes.), except for when he is looking at his own species.