The Social Brain

Is conflict caused by an inherently hostile human nature? Are efforts to promote peaceful co-existence fated to fail? Is the story of human history destined to play out a clash of civilizations, as tensions erupt and escalate around differences in race, religion, culture and ethnicity? These are the questions framing contemporary debate over diversity, immigration, and multiculturalism.

The origins, progress and future of human evolution have been a focal point for scientists and scholars seeking solutions to the world's most pervasive problems. Biologists, anthropologists, and sociologists have developed theories to help us to understand, and address, the inherent hostility of human nature. But there has been one noticeable absence in these scientific endeavours: a psychological analysis.

This book provides a uniquely psychological perspective on the origins of human nature, the evolution of conflict, and the possible futures for our culture and society. It shows how neuroscience and evolution can help us guide political, cultural and social progress. The Social Brain provides an entirely new perspective on the diversity debate: the idea that it is not simply a matter of what is right or wrong, but that diversity is critical to our very survival as a civilization, and as a species. Diversity doesn't damage our economy: it is the essential element that fuels creativity, innovation and growth.

This work provides a tantalizing insight in to the conditions that - if harnessed - could help us all become a Hawking, Da Vinci, Branson or Jobs. It's a book about the scientific studies that reveal a hitherto unappreciated, unexplored but absolutely critical component of the creativity puzzle - our social relationships.