Author

If there is any form of contagion that is adaptive, it is the immediate response to the fear of others. If others are fearful, there may be good reason for you to be fearful too.

From Frans de Waal

If one bird foraging in a flock on the ground suddenly takes off, all other birds will take off immediately after, before they even know what's going on. The one who stays behind may be prey.

From Frans de Waal

Darwin wasn't just provocative in saying that we descend from the apes - he didn't go far enough. We are apes in every way, from our long arms and tailless bodies to our habits and temperament.

From Frans de Waal

Humans have a lot of pro-social tendencies.

From Frans de Waal

What is the evolutionary value of blushing? It seems not to be to our advantage to do it, to involuntarily reveal our inner emotions. If we're trying to manipulate or lie, actions in furtherance of individual goals as opposed to the goals of others, blushing would not seem to be helpful. And yet everyone blushes, except the psychopath.

From Frans de Waal

People want to work with somebody who feels shame, who worries about the perceptions of others. Dishonesty is something we don't like in others.

From Frans de Waal

I describe in 'Chimpanzee Politics' how the alpha male needs broad support to reach the top spot. He needs some close allies and he needs many group members to be on his side.

From Frans de Waal

I have often noticed how primate groups in their entirety enter a similar mood. All of a sudden, all of them are playful, hopping around. Or all of them are grumpy. Or all of them are sleepy and settle down. In such cases, the mood contagion serves the function of synchronizing activities.

From Frans de Waal

Empathy probably started out as a mechanism to improve maternal care. Mammalian mothers who were attentive to their young's needs were more likely to rear successful offspring.

From Frans de Waal

Male chimpanzees have an extraordinarily strong drive for dominance. They're constantly jockeying for position.

From Frans de Waal

Frans de Waal

Notable Quotes

Authors with Similar Views

Jane Goodall

Paul Bloom

Sy Montgomery

Robert Winston

Russell Banks

Authors with Opposing Views

Tom Stoppard

Niccolo Machiavelli

Agnes Repplier

Alanis Morissette

Alex Honnold