Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That?: And Other Reflections on Being Human by Jesse Bering

A book which describes the possible evolutionary origins of several human anatomical details and behavior patterns covering several different factoids from the shape of the human penis to reason why teenage girls tend to be so cruel against each other’s. Entertaining and fascinating details and thoughts from wide variety of things. Mostly they were logical and easy to agree upon, but there were a few details where apparently author’s cultural background influenced his opinions. For example, the chapter where he assumes that people who openly show their religious beliefs (e.g. by having a visible crucifix on a car window) seem to be more trustful than those who don’t show them – even for the author who is an atheist. I really don’t believe that would apply to Finland where religious belief is a very private matter and showing them very openly is unusual and even suspect. I would have picked up the taxi without the crucifix. The writing style was easy to read and light, at places probably slightly too light, but might very well pick up other books by the same author.
301 pp.