Blueprint
Blueprint
Nicholas A. Christakis
Bill Gates
Explains that humans have evolved to work together and be social. - Bill Gates
Nassim Taleb
Excited to get [this book] as I am trying to go deeper into the notion of fractal (multiscale) localism & see what's wrong w/my thesis - Nassim Taleb
Niall Ferguson
I cannot recommend too highly [this] book. - Niall Ferguson
Michael Mauboussin
[One of] my favorite science books in 2018. - Michael Mauboussin
Eric Schmidt
It's a joy to read and it highlights ways to make our society better. - Eric Schmidt
+
5
All books

Blueprint

Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society

Nicholas A. Christakis
By
Nicholas A. Christakis
4.0
269
ratings on Goodreads

In the groundbreaking work "Blueprint," Nicholas A. Christakis masterfully uncovers the brighter side of human nature, challenging the prevalent focus on our capacity for darkness by showcasing our innate propensity for kindness, cooperation, and love. Through a compelling narrative that intertwines the latest scientific discoveries with captivating examples from history and contemporary society, Christakis reveals that underneath the layers of our cultural and technological advancements, lies a consistent, benevolent social blueprint. This blueprint, etched into our genes, has not only sculpted our personal behaviors but has also guided the construction of our societies, remarkably similar across the globe despite the diversity of their outward forms. Christakis's exploration extends beyond mere observation, delving into the heart of how and why these positive traits have persisted and flourished despite humanity's turbulent history. From the social intricacies of elephants and dolphins mirroring our own, to the resilient communities forged in the aftermath of shipwrecks and the ambitious utopias of commune dwellers, "Blueprint" presents a refreshing and optimistic perspective on human nature. It argues convincingly that our genetic makeup predisposes us to build a good society and that this inborn social blueprint is our species' greatest strength in facing the challenges of today's polarized world. In doing so, Christakis not only illuminates the ancient roots of societal goodness but also suggests that the evolution of society continues to influence our genetic makeup in a profound feedback loop, offering hope for our collective future.

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Released
2019
26 Mar
Length
544
Pages

5

recommendations

recommendation

I cannot recommend too highly [this] book. - Niall Ferguson
It's a joy to read and it highlights ways to make our society better. - Eric Schmidt
[One of] my favorite science books in 2018. - Michael Mauboussin
Excited to get [this book] as I am trying to go deeper into the notion of fractal (multiscale) localism & see what's wrong w/my thesis - Nassim Taleb
Explains that humans have evolved to work together and be social. - Bill Gates
At the core of all societies, I will show, is the social suite: (1) The capacity to have and recognize individual identity (2) Love for partners and offspring (3) Friendship (4) Social networks (5) Cooperation (6) Preference for one’s own group (that is, “in-group bias”) (7) Mild hierarchy (that is, relative egalitarianism) (8) Social learning and teaching
— Nicholas A. Christakis, Blueprint

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