'Our Inner Ape,' by Frans de Waal

Review by TEMPLE GRANDIN

Our closest genetic cousins, the apes, are capable of great
empathy but also of violent, ruthless killing. Frans de Waal,
a prominent primatologist, compares our social behavior with
that of two species of apes: chimpanzees and bonobos. Despite
their physical similarities, the two species behave very
differently. Bonobos live in a relatively peaceful
matriarchy; when conflicts do arise, instead of fighting they
often use sexual activity to resolve them, defusing the
aggression with friendly physical contact. Like hippies, they
make love, not war. Chimp society, however, is a male-
dominated hierarchy based on power. Unlike the gentle
bonobos, who seldom kill, chimps will hunt for meat and even
kill members of rival groups.

In this fascinating book, de Waal suggests that the two
species represent sides of our own nature. We have "not one
but two inner apes," he writes, speculating that humans may
act like a hybrid of bonobos and chimps.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/09/books/review/09grandin.html?8bu&emc=bu