Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity

·1 hr 17 min·5 clips

Evolutionary anthropologist Brian Hare explains how studying dogs and bonobos reveals the secret to human success and our darkest behaviors.

The episode begins with host Christopher Kelly introducing Dr. Brian Hare, a professor at Duke University and author of 'The Genius of Dogs'. Hare discusses his new book, 'Survival of the Friendliest', which applies research on animal psychology to understand human benevolence and cruelty. He shares insights from his work with dogs, noting that breed explains little about cognitive abilities, challenging essentialist beliefs. The conversation shifts to bonobos and chimpanzees, highlighting that bonobos are xenophilic, never observed committing murder, and have hidden ovulation, unlike chimpanzees. Hare explains that bonobos exhibit self-domestication, similar to dogs, through increased friendliness. He then applies these findings to human evolution, arguing that Homo sapiens succeeded over other human species like Neanderthals due to selection for friendliness, which enabled larger social networks and cultural ratcheting. However, this same mechanism allows for dehumanization of out-groups, leading to violence and genocide. Hare discusses historical examples, such as the case of Ota Benga, to illustrate dehumanization. The latter part of the interview focuses on solutions, emphasizing the contact hypothesis and early socialization to reduce threat responses. Hare critiques current political practices, suggesting bipartisan staffer lunches and reinstating pork-barrel spending to foster cooperation. He also debunks myths about hypoallergenic dogs and breed-based behavior, advising listeners to interact with dogs before adoption. The episode concludes with Hare teasing his next book on dog training and resources.

As heard by us

A thoughtful evolutionary discussion of cooperation, group hostility, bonobos, and the limits of breed stereotypes.

Christopher Kelly's conversation with Brian Hare opens on a big evolutionary puzzle: why cooperation helps some species thrive, and why the same group instincts can harden into hostility toward outsiders.

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Why you'd press play

You get dogs, chimps, bonobos, and a sharper way to look at why your in-group instincts can turn chilly.

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