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Mean Genes

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About this listen

"The Mean Genes message is optimistic . . . a self-help book for the merely average human being." (The Washington Post Book World)

"An unusual cross between a social Darwinist monograph and a self-help manual." (The New Yorker)

Why do we want-and do-so many things that are bad for us? In Mean Genes Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan argue that we need to stop looking to Sigmund Freud for answers and start looking to Charles Darwin. Mean Genes reveals that our struggles for self-improvement are, in fact, battles against our own genes-genes that helped our distant ancestors flourish, but are selfish and out of place in the modern world. Using this evolutionary lens, Mean Genes brilliantly examines the issues that most affect our lives-body image, money, addiction, violence, and relationships, friendship, love, and fidelity-and offers steps to help us lead more satisfying lives.Executive Producer: Orli Moscowitz



Original Jacket Illustration: David J. High after a concept by Jay Phelan



Original Jacket Design: High Design, NYC



Author Photographs by Lisa Phelan (Jay) and Martha Stewart (Terry)



©2000 by Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan



(P) 2000 Random House, Inc.


Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Psychology & Interactions

Critic reviews

"The Mean Genes message is optimistic...a self-help book for the merely average human being." The Washington Post Book World

"An unusual cross between a social Darwinist monograph and a self-help manual." The New Yorker

No reviews yet