We humans
Are we sexual omnivores? An illustrated idea.
Author Christopher Ryan argues that a more nuanced view of sex and monogamy would help us all. An illustrated idea.
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The co-author of "Sex at Dawn," Christopher Ryan explores the prehistoric roots of human sexuality.
Why you should listen
In the fascinating book Sex at Dawn, Christopher Ryan and co-author Cacilda Jethá, MD, explore how humans' prehistoric promiscuity (perhaps similar to the bonobos') may have influenced our current attitudes toward pair-bonding, monogamy and long-lasting passion. Their thesis draws on evidence from anthropology, archeology, primatology, anatomy and psychosexuality.
As a psychologist, Ryan’s research focuses on trying to distinguish the human from the cultural. His book, he hopes, is "pointing toward a more optimistic future illuminated by our innate capacities for love, cooperation and generosity."
What others say
“[Sex at Dawn] helps put the ‘human’ back in ‘human sexuality.’” — AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists)
Christopher Ryan’s TED talk
More news and ideas from Christopher Ryan
Culture
5 studies that offer fascinating conclusions about human sexuality
The standard narrative of human sexual evolution says: men provide women with goods and services in exchange for women’s sexual fidelity. But is that really true or relevant today? Christopher Ryan, the co-author of Sex at Dawn with Cacilda Jethá, takes a deeper look and has quite a few bones to pick with this idea. Ryan […]
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News
Indelicate Conversation: Speakers in Session 9 at TED2013
This session, delicately titled “Indelicate conversation,” took a look at some topics not meant for the dinner table with talks by speakers not afraid to ask: What’s really on your mind? The speakers who appeared in this session. Click on their name to read a recap of their talk: Rose George “talks shit” to raise awareness […]
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