In the original dustsheet. Black cloth binding with silver title on the spine.

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Whether or not we know it, our daily lives are shaped by a powerful current of instinct. The conscious and unconscious decisions we make are deeply affected by an ancient and universal genetic programme. Our ambition and lust, our drives to compete and to co-operate are essential components of the human mind, forged among our ancestors on the African savannah. Instincts were instrumental in the evolutionary success of the species, and success meant a fondness for sex and violence, for status and wealth – and a will to survive. From ordering lunch to one night stands, human behaviour is still heavily influenced by this genetic agenda. But how well do instincts equip us for the 21st century? Do instincts help or hinder us as we deal with large anonymous cities, low-level stress, the battle of the sexes, and the fracturing of communal life?

Review: This is a really excellent and informative book. Winston takes us through the major aspects of human life, linking it at all times to our evolutionary inheritance. He is a real authority on Mans’ evolution from the great apes. Only the final chapter struck me as a little odd; after detailing earlier in the book how our moral compass was set in our deep, evolutionary past, Winston then says that the Abrahamic faiths have given us our moral compass. He criticises Dawkins for blaming 9/11 on religion (was that just Dawkins’ view?), and gives some twisted logic that he probably uses to help persuade himself that a god exists. Fair enough, but this doesn’t sit well with the rest of the book at all; how can you go from the scientific approach for 5 chapters, to just faith to sum it all up? Doesn’t add up. For one thing, this approach wholly fails to consider how people who were nowhere near the middle east 2-3000 yrs ago might have come to some understanding of morals. A very disappointing and unscientific ending to an otherwise interesting book.

Robert Maurice Lipson Winston, Baron Winston, FMedSci, FRSA, FRCP, FRCOG, HonFREng (born 15 July 1940) is a British professor, medical doctor, scientist, television presenter and Labour peer.