Why don't you like certain foods? Why are you attracted to a certain type of person? Why do you vote the way you do? Why do you have a hard time letting go of certain things?
Philosophers and theologians have been trying to unravel the mysteries of human behavior for centuries - but now, through science, we are gaining startling new insights into the driving forces behind our actions. In his provocative book, Indiana University School of Medicine professor Bill Sullivan examines our behavior through the lens of genetics, microbiology, psychology, neurology, and family history, revealing the hidden forces that govern our individual nature.
We can take part in a fascinating journey through the world of factors that influence our actions, moods, tastes, political views and much more. A surprising truth is revealed: most of our most characteristic features depend on factors beyond our control, including our genes and the early environmental influences on them, our evolutionary past and the microbes that live inside us. The pages of the book reveal why it is really so difficult to deal with infidelity, obesity, drugs and depression; we can discover the biological differences that separate liberals and conservatives; we can see the driving forces of attraction between people; and we can understand our own impulses when we lend a helping hand or punch someone in the nose. The pioneering insights are spiced up with pop culture references, making it easier to understand the underlying scientific principles.