The Folly of Fools: The Logic of Deceit and Self-Deception in Human Life (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780465085972)

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.

Author: Robert Trivers
ISBN-10: 0465085970
ISBN-13: 9780465085972
Publisher: Basic Books
Language: English
Published: 01/07/2014
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.40w x 1.20d

Review Citation(s):
New York Times Book Review 02/16/2014 pg. 28