Description: The age-old controversy over where human behavior comes from has heated up in -- recent years as a result of major breakthroughs in genetics. Explanations in terms of genes for particular characteristics have seemingly supplanted those from psychology in the understanding of behavior.

Design for a Life explains, with liveliness and lucidity, how humans develop from fertilized eggs into unique adults who function within complex social communities. Authors Bateson and Martin argue that genetics alone does not determine personality and behavioral characteristics and that all of us are capable of profound change even into old age. They synthesize the biological and psychological perspectives by using concrete examples from recent scientific advances, as well as the wisdom of poets and novelists, to show how our behavior arises and changes throughout our lives.

Design for a Life will bring readers genuine insight into some of humanity's most important questions, such as why we are so different from one another and how much of our behavior is a matter of rational thought and conscious choice. Readers of E. O. Wilson, Richard Dawkins, Jonathan Weiner, and Steven Pinker will find this book entertaining and informative.

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