Description
One of the world’s greatest scientists of human behaviour shows that free will does not exist – and challenges us to rethink the very notion of choice, identity, responsibility, justice, morality and how we live together.
Behind every thought, action and experience there lies a chain of biological and environmental causes, stretching back from the moment a neuron fires to the dawn of our species and beyond.
Nowhere in this infinite sequence is there a place where free will could play a role.
Without free will, it makes no more sense to punish people for antisocial behaviour than it does to scold a car for breaking down.
It is no one’s fault they are poor or overweight or unsuccessful, nor do people deserve praise for their talent or hard work; ‘grit’ is a myth.
This mechanistic view of human behaviour challenges our most powerful instincts, but history suggests that we have already made great strides toward it: where once we saw demonic possession or cowardice, for example, now we diagnose illness or trauma and offer help.
Determined confronts us with our true nature: who and what we are is biology and nothing more.
Disturbing and liberating in equal measure, it explores the far-reaching implications for society of accepting this reality.
Monumentally difficult as it may be, the reward will be a far more just and humane world.
‘A bravura performance, well worth reading for the pleasure of Sapolsky’s deeply informed company’ – Oliver Burkeman
‘One of the best scientist-writers of our time’ – Oliver Sacks
