PDF A Brief History of Vice: How Bad Behavior Built Civilization by Robert Evans in History

Review

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A bizarre (but wonderful) blend of sociobiology; gonzo journalism; and Betty Crocker.By CustomerIn “A (Brief History of Vice” author Robert Evans employs his mordant wit to apply the principles of sociobiology to a study of civilization’s origins. He explains how a host of otherwise bizarre human behaviors (like foot fetishes) make sense when understood as adaptive responses to dangers and threats. Of course this isn’t a sociobiological textbook (though it is a very intelligent book) so Evans’ insights are presented with a sense of irony and humor (he IS a “Cracked.com” editor after all). He reminds me very much of Mary Roach; another author who popularizes scientific ideas with a combination of humor and research.A Brief History of Vice: How Bad Behavior Built CivilizationAs interesting and entertaining as his explanations of the history of various vices are (and they are VERY entertaining); I enjoyed just as much his re-creations of a variety of ancient vices – mostly the drinkable kind. In these re-creations; Evans documents his experiments with ancient intoxicants; chronicling their effects on him; his friends; and his fiancée Magenta (who evidently has the patience of a saint). He also provides the recipes for these ancient head trips. Oddly; this is the point where the book veers deeper into philosophical waters; as Evans reflects on the cultural and psychological value of intoxicants and their role in making life better and (as Evans would certainly argue) more fun.A (Brief) History of Vice is a bizarre (but wonderful) blend of sociobiology; gonzo journalism; and Betty Crocker. Author Robert Evans elucidates the connection between behaviors and attitudes society frowns on (vices) and the ancient and robust underpinnings of our advanced civilization.14 of 16 people found the following review helpful. A Brief History of Vice is a brilliant mix of history and comedy and a definite must-readBy VladimirA Brief History of Vice mixes the history of how different 'vices' throughout history shaped the world we live in today and the science of how our ancestors got high and drunk - even testing many of those same methods on himself. It's is a unique combination of the tireless research of great historians like Nathaniel Philbrick and the experimentation of Hunter S. Thompson. Some methods will shock and others may horrify; but in the end Robert Evans paints a compelling picture in that things we normally associate as being lewd; risque or shameful have actually helped make us stronger and make society better.You're going to learn; laugh and leave understanding the world a little better. And you'll probably want to try a few of those ancient vices yourself.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. but also an empathy-building tale of what it was like to be our ancestorsBy Ethan BennettAn illuminating; irreverent; well-researched Anthropological survey of marginal human behavior. The opinion theses are well-supported; the moral stance of the author is adequately defrayed as Vox Publici; and supporting information is all generally consensus-accepted; or failing that; broadly-accepted alternative-controversy. An extremely interesting read that gives a very vivid window into not only our history exploring the boundaries of the human condition; but also an empathy-building tale of what it was like to be our ancestors; giving a great understanding of the origins of folklore and a window into the stability of the human condition over time.