The WEIRDest People in the World
How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous
Joseph Henrich
Explore the origins and evolution of the Western mind and its impact on the world in The WEIRDest People in the World. By delving into global psychological diversity, Harvard professor Joseph Henrich illuminates the cultural transformations that led to highly individualistic, nonconformist societies like ours. Drawing on research in anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology, Henrich maps the shifts in family structures, marriage, and religion that laid the foundation for the modern world. This highly engaging and provocative investigation reveals the fascinating interplay between culture, institutions, and psychology that shapes human history.
Publish Date
2020-09-08T00:00:00.000Z
2020-09-08T00:00:00.000Z
Goodreads Rating
4.14
ISBN
9780374173227
Recommendations
9
Recommendations
2020-12-15T16:38:20.000Z
I have to mention Joe Henrich @JoHenrich, who hasn't appeared yet but will soon. His book "The WEIRDest People in the World" is a fascinating look at the special psychology of Western educated folk. – source2020-11-06T19:38:09.000Z
Finished this while waiting for the results. Huge book but eminently readable. And very important. Highly recommended. – source2022-04-09T11:38:00.000Z
@TonyFratto The surprising history of cousin marriage bans is at the center of this fascinating book: – source2021-01-01T01:20:06.000Z
Heinrich's book on WIERD cultures is the best account of the industrial revolution I've read.
Once WEIRD-ness gets going, it eats everything in sight, and completely reorders power, norms, and social structures. – source2020-09-13T16:53:36.000Z
Agreed. I'm also just starting @JoHenrich's book , and it's just filled with cool proposals, insights, and discoveries. (Put another way, there's a pleasingly high ratio of ideas per page) – source2020-10-19T02:04:59.000Z
The WEIRDest People in the World by @JoHenrich is among the best books I have read in the last 5-10 years. It is long but very readable and every page is worth it. My review: – source2021-03-02T00:44:45.000Z
Three very good books worth reading: (1) The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone, (2) The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous, (3) Not Born Yesterday: The Science of Who We Trust and What We Believe – source