The Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation

Why are people nice to each other? What are the reasons for altruism? Matt Ridley explains how the human mind has evolved a special instinct for social exchange, offering a lucid and persuasive argument about the paradox of human benevolence. Examining the unique system of favors and obligations in trade, religion, and warfare, he suggests that human nature is indeed selfish, but that it is selfishness that promotes cooperation and serves evolution.