Mean Genes
Mean Genes
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Brief
263
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Mean Genes, Jay Phelan and Terry Burnham explore why individuals often engage in behaviors that are harmful to them, such as overeating, overspending, and risky activities, attributing these tendencies to primal instincts inherited from our hunter-gatherer ancestors. The authors argue that understanding these evolutionary drives allows individuals to better control their impulses and lead healthier, happier lives.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,457 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Phelan and Burnham's Mean Genes merges biology and economics to explain self-destructive behaviors. Reviewers praise the engaging writing style and relatable examples, making complex science accessible. Some find the repetition tiresome and the solutions oversimplified. Overall, it's enlightening and thought-provoking, though not without its flaws.
Who Should Read Mean Genes?
Mean Genes by Jay Phelan and Terry Burnham appeals to readers fascinated by human behavior, genetics, and self-improvement. Comparable to Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, it attracts those interested in evolutionary psychology and how biological impulses influence everyday decisions. Ideal for enthusiasts of accessible, science-based insights and practical advice.
1,457 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
263
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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