51 pages • 1 hour read
Brian Hare, Vanessa WoodsSurvival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Themes
The Evolutionary Advantages of Friendliness and Cooperation
The central theme of Survival of the Friendliest is the evolutionary advantage of friendliness and cooperation. The authors argue that these traits have played a critical role in the success of humans as a species. Unlike the prevalent view that survival of the fittest means being the strongest or most aggressive, Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods present evidence that being friendly and cooperative has been most beneficial for our evolutionary trajectory. They explain that our ability to form social bonds, work together, and create supportive communities has allowed humans to thrive in diverse environments.
One of the authors’ key points is that friendliness and cooperation facilitated the development of complex social structures: Early humans who were able to form alliances and share resources were more likely to survive and reproduce. For instance, the ability to communicate effectively and empathize with others enabled the formation of larger social groups, which could defend against predators and hunt more efficiently. This social cohesion is illustrated through examples of hunter-gatherer societies, where mutual aid and collective action were essential for survival.
The authors underpin this theme with studies of animal behavior, particularly in species closely related to humans, such as bonobos. Bonobos, known for their peaceful and cooperative behavior, demonstrate how friendliness can be an evolutionary strategy. Unlike their more aggressive relatives, chimpanzees, bonobos resolve conflicts through social and sexual bonding, which strengthens group cohesion and reduces violence. The authors’ comparison of these species presents friendliness as part of a successful evolutionary strategy observed in other species besides humans, strengthening and broadening their theory.
This theme is also supported by the book’s discussion of self-domestication in human evolution. Woods and Hare suggest that, as humans evolved, individuals who were more tolerant and less aggressive were more successful in social groups, leading to a natural selection for these traits. The theme highlights how the traits of friendliness and cooperation have been crucial for the development of human societies, enabling the creation of complex cultures and civilizations. To further illustrate their point, the authors examine the concept of group selection, where traits that benefit the group rather than the individual can become prevalent. They argue that in human evolution, groups with higher levels of cooperation and social cohesion had a competitive edge over less cooperative groups. This is evident in historical contexts where societies that promoted collective welfare and mutual support were more resilient and successful. The ability to form alliances and work toward common goals allowed these groups to outcompete others, leading to the proliferation of cooperative traits.
The theme also touches on the neurological underpinnings of friendliness and cooperation. Hare and Woods explore how the human brain has evolved to facilitate social interaction. They discuss the role of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” in promoting bonding and trust among individuals. The presence of this hormone and its effects on human behavior underscore the biological basis for our social nature. By understanding these neurological mechanisms, the authors provide a comprehensive view of how friendliness and cooperation are incentivized by our biology.
The development of language and communication is also key to this theme. The authors argue that the ability to share information and coordinate actions through complex language is a direct result of our cooperative nature. This capacity for communication has been a cornerstone of human success, enabling us to transmit knowledge across generations, build intricate societies, and create technological advancements. The evolution of language is portrayed as both a product and a facilitator of our cooperative tendencies.
This these is integral to the book’s wider social message: that understanding the importance of friendliness and cooperation should inform modern social policies and practices. The authors argue that fostering inclusive and supportive communities can lead to better societal outcomes, from improved mental health to enhanced economic productivity. They advocate for creating environments that promote empathy, trust, and cooperation, arguing that these values are essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality.
The Impact of Social Behavior on Human History and Progress
Another significant theme in Survival of the Friendliest is the considerable impact of social behavior on human history. The authors explore how human interactions have shaped historical events and societal developments, arguing that the ability to cooperate and form social bonds has been a driving force for human progress. They cite the cause-and-effect of pivotal moments in history to evidence this theme, drawing on both positive and negative examples of human behavior and their consequences.
One important strand of examples is the rise of constitutional democracies, which emerged as societies recognized the importance of cooperation and power-sharing. The establishment of democratic systems allowed for more inclusive and participatory governance, leading to more stable and prosperous societies. This historical shift underscores the significance of social behavior in shaping political and social structures. For instance, the American Founders’ creation of a republic that aimed to protect minority rights and prevent the tyranny of the majority highlights how understanding human social behavior can inform political innovation.
This theme includes analysis of the role of social behavior in scientific and technological advancements. They argue that the collaborative nature of human societies has facilitated the sharing of knowledge and the collective problem-solving that drives innovation. The development of the scientific method, for instance, relied on the open exchange of ideas and cooperation among researchers. This collaborative spirit has led to significant breakthroughs and advancements that have propelled human progress. The authors discuss examples such as the Human Genome Project, which required extensive international collaboration and data sharing, demonstrating how collective efforts can achieve monumental scientific milestones.
The theme also extends to the darker aspects of human history, such as conflicts and wars. The authors discuss how dehumanization and the breakdown of social bonds have led to violence and atrocities. They highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in preventing such conflicts, emphasizing that fostering social connections can lead to more peaceful and harmonious societies. Historical events such as the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide are examined to show how the erosion of social bonds and the rise of dehumanizing rhetoric can precipitate large-scale violence. The authors argue that promoting empathy and understanding among different social groups is crucial for conflict prevention and resolution.
This theme relies on a broad historical view of cultural patterns and, as such draws on examples across centuries and continents. The authors also explore how social behavior influences economic systems and labor practices. For instance, they show how the rise of collective labor unions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in many industrialized nations led to improved labor conditions, higher wages, and better safety standards. This demonstrates the power of social behavior in shaping economic policies and promoting equitable growth. The theme encompasses the impact of social behavior on historical cultural and intellectual movements such as The Renaissance in 15th-century Europe. This period of intense cultural and intellectual activity was driven by the social structures that enabled cooperation and mutual support, leading to unprecedented advancements in art, science, and philosophy. Hare and Woods also touch on modern implications, such as the role of social media and digital communication in shaping contemporary social behavior and political movements. They examine how these platforms can both facilitate cooperation and exacerbate division, illustrating the complex impact of social behavior on current events. The Arab Spring of the 2010s, for instance, is cited as an example of how social media enabled rapid coordination and mobilization, highlighting the potential of modern communication tools to influence social and political change.
Empathy as a Driving Force in Human Interaction
Empathy is a central theme in Survival of the Friendliest, presented as a driving force in human interaction and a key component of our evolutionary success. The authors argue that the ability to understand and share the feelings of others has been fundamental in forming social bonds, fostering cooperation, and creating cohesive communities. Empathy enables individuals to connect with others on an emotional level, facilitating trust and mutual support.
Hare and Woods highlight the role of empathy in fostering social cohesion. They explain that empathetic individuals are more likely to help others, share resources, and engage in cooperative behaviors that benefit the group. This trait has been essential in the development of complex social structures, as it allows individuals to navigate social dynamics and maintain harmonious relationships. The authors use examples from both human and animal behavior to illustrate the importance of empathy. The authors also explore the neurological basis of empathy, explaining how the human brain is wired to respond to the emotions of others. They discuss the role of mirror neurons, which fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action. This neural mechanism enables individuals to understand and share the experiences of others, forming the basis for empathetic behavior. By providing a scientific explanation for empathy, the authors underscore its fundamental role in human interaction.
As part of this theme, Hare and Woods discuss the societal implications of empathy. They argue that fostering empathy can lead to more inclusive and compassionate communities. Empathy allows individuals to see the world from others’ perspectives, promoting understanding and reducing prejudice. The authors highlight various ways to cultivate empathy, such as through education, storytelling, and positive social interactions. By emphasizing the importance of empathy, this theme furthers their argument that it can be a powerful tool for addressing social issues and creating a more just and equitable society.
