I think we need to start thinking about grounding our moral systems in our biology. Frans de Waal biologygroundmoral Change image and share on social
I'm personally a nonbeliever, so I'm struggling with if we really need religion. Frans de Waal nonbelieverpersonallyreligion Change image and share on social
A chimpanzee who is really gearing up for a fight doesn't waste time with gestures but just goes ahead and attacks. Frans de Waal aheadattackchimpanzee Change image and share on social
Human morality is unthinkable without empathy. Frans de Waal empathyhumanmorality Change image and share on social
Understanding the need for religion is a far superior goal to bashing it. Frans de Waal bashgoalreligion Change image and share on social
Very ancient parts of the brain are involved in moral decision making. Frans de Waal ancientbraindecision Change image and share on social
There has been so much underestimating of animal cognition that to perhaps overestimate it, as I probably do, is probably a healthy reaction. Frans de Waal animalcognitionhealthy Change image and share on social
The term 'alpha female' originated in my field of animal behavior, but has acquired new meaning. It refers to women who are in charge, for example, by flirting and dating on their own terms. It is also used maliciously for a loud-mouthed, controlling woman who has no patience with deviating opinions. Frans de Waal acquirealphaanimal share on social
I think the sense of fairness in humans is very strongly developed, and that's why we react so strongly to all the bonuses received by Wall Street executives. We want to know why they deserve these benefits. Frans de Waal benefitbonusdeserve share on social
It is hard to get animals which normally pay little attention to each other to do things together. One can teach dolphins to jump simultaneously out of the water precisely because they show similar behavior spontaneously, but try to make two domestic cats jump together and you will fail. Frans de Waal animalattentionbehavior share on social