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The Folly of Fools: The Logic of Deceit and Self-Deception in Human Life
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The Folly of Fools: The Logic of Deceit and Self-Deception in Human Life Hardcover - 2011 - 1st Edition

by Robert Trivers


From the publisher

A New York Times Notable Book of 2012
Whether it's in a cockpit at takeoff or the planning of an offensive war, a romantic relationship or a dispute at the office, there are many opportunities to lie and self-deceive--but deceit and self-deception carry the costs of being alienated from reality and can lead to disaster. So why does deception play such a prominent role in our everyday lives? In short, why do we deceive?
In his bold new work, prominent biological theorist Robert Trivers unflinchingly argues that self-deception evolved in the service of deceit--the better to fool others. We do it for biological reasons--in order to help us survive and procreate. From viruses mimicking host behavior to humans misremembering (sometimes intentionally) the details of a quarrel, science has proven that the deceptive one can always outwit the masses. But we undertake this deception at our own peril.

Trivers has written an ambitious investigation into the evolutionary logic of lying and the costs of leaving it unchecked.

Details

  • Title The Folly of Fools: The Logic of Deceit and Self-Deception in Human Life
  • Author Robert Trivers
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 397
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Basic Books (AZ), New York
  • Date 2011-10
  • ISBN 9780465027552 / 0465027555
  • Weight 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.5 in (23.62 x 16.26 x 3.81 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Library of Congress subjects Self-deception, Deception - Psychological aspects
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2011028453
  • Dewey Decimal Code 153.4

About the author

Robert L. Trivers is a Professor of Anthropology and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University. He won the Crafoord Prize in Biosciences in 2007 for his fundamental analysis of social evolution, conflict, and cooperation. He lives in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
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The Folly of Fools: The Logic of Deceit and Self-Deception in Human Life
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