Book Club Online: The Evolution of Desire - Chapters 7-8 (Event 4 of 5)

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98452121151?pwd=UVEyVzJLaGoyb2pUQmdQcGo5d29QQT09

Our book is "The Evolution of Desire - Strategies of Human Mating," by David Buss, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin. Buss, an author of several books, is considered to be a founder of the field of evolutionary psychology. PLEASE NOTE that the latest edition of the book is not the one depicted above. If possible, please read the "revised and updated edition," which has a white cover with two red flowers.

What this book is about:
In this groundbreaking and provocative book, David Buss uses evolutionary psychology to explain human mating and the mysteries of love, including why, if we all want love, there's so much conflict in our most-cherished relationships. Buss' book is based on one of the largest human mating studies ever undertaken, encompassing over 10,000 people and 37 cultures worldwide. He examines a spectrum of mating behavior, including that of animals, primitive human tribes, and the use of dating apps. Buss reveals what women want, what men want, and why their desires radically differ. Love has a central place in human sexual psychology, but conflict, competition, and manipulation also pervade human mating -- something we must confront in order to control our own mating destiny.

This week's portion: Chapters 7-8
Chapter 7: Sexual Conflict
Chapter 8: Breaking Up

PLEASE READ THE ABOVE CHAPTERS BEFORE ATTENDING. If you are unable to read them before attending, please instead join us next week after having read all assigned portions.

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Why a book club?
The book club is a chance for us to dive deeper into big ideas in science, philosophy, and culture by discussing the most popular non-fiction books of our time. It is designed to be slow and deliberate to allow us to test our understanding, ask tough questions, have our opinions challenged, and build a more robust worldview. It is a deliberate challenge to the passive consumption of junk information encouraged by our technology and media. We will dwell on each book for weeks, rather than rush through them in hours, and in the process, enjoy some lively discussion and camaraderie. We'll start off with a quick spiel, then split everyone up into small 'breakout' groups of 4 or 5 people. We'll switch every 30 mins or so.

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How do I prepare?
Just read the chapters and show up. Attendees are encouraged to read actively (bit.ly/2JXZ7pS). Feel free to post any additional resources you find (especially ones that challenge the author) in the comments.

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Feedback
If you have any suggestions or feedback about this event, we'd really like to hear about it: https://forms.gle/XHAKdLWrpJMrj6HB8

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Donations:
If this is one of your first MindFood events, feel free to join us gratis! If you would like to chip in, the suggested amount is $5, but any contribution is appreciated. 1/2 of donations go to covering our costs and 1/2 goes to all event hosts for their time and effort. Here's how:

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