Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect

Psychologist and UCLA professor Lieberman examines why humans are such naturally social creatures. Is it purely a biological imperative to ensure the proliferation of the species? Are we social simply because mankind needs to keep fornicating? Lieberman believes otherwise. Ultimately, he posits that human brains experience social pain and pleasure in much the same way they experience physical plain and pleasure. Consequently, many businesses and working environments—which attempt to eliminate social distractions are actually doing something self-defeating; such policies, Lieberman argues, shut off the “social brain” leaving many resources untapped and making the workplace less productive and healthy. Chamberlain’s narration is very clear—if a bit nasally—and he boasts excellent pacing and inflection. But most importantly, he takes what could have been dry, arcane material and produces and interesting and entertaining listening experience. [em]A Crown hardcover. (Nov.) [/em]