Our Inner Ape

I'm reading this book right now called "Our Inner Ape" by Frans de Waal, a leading primatologist and Dutch to boot. I think you should check it out no matter what your interests are. I didn't originally pick it out for myself but it found its way back into my hands so I thought "what the hell, I'll give it a read". First of all, anything written by an anything-gist usually inspires thoughts of dry, boring cures for insomnia. But I am continually impressed by de Waal's presentation--it isn't boring at all, and just sticks with the pop version of facts related to our closest relatives: apes.

The book focuses mostly on Chimps and Bonobos. At one point he notes, "Chimps solve their sex problems with power, while Bonobos solve their power problems with sex". I think humans, as relatives, have been fortunate enough to inherit traits from both of these branches.

I am not that far into the book yet, but am now reading a section on politics. I am telling you, the works of Locke, Hobbes and all the gang are lit up when you look at the ideas in terms of Ape society. The State of Nature has a whole new ring to it. He looks at questions of equality, power, and leadership and their origins. Its been awhile since I've read my political theory texts, but this book makes me want to take another look!

One of the most interesting things he relates is that animals, as a sign of submission, will mimic the greater animal. Sometimes this is obvious and done on purpose (like when you copy someone's body language in a meeting to make them feel more at ease) but there are a number of subconscious adaptations that go on as well. de Waal spoke of presidential speeches. The candidate who altered the tone of his voice to more closely match his oponent's has lost the popular vote in every single instance. The candidate who makes no change to his speech wins.

Everyone loves apes and so I think everyone could get something out of this book. We laugh at them heartily because they are such a true reflection of ourselves. It is an enlightening read! And I still have half a book to go...