Why Are We Like This?

What can snorkelling at Shark Bay teach us about humanity? Will the secrets of our sex lives be uncovered by stick insects? What do whale societies reveal about kindness? And why did we evolve to spend a third of our life asleep?

Some questions have nipped at humanity’s heels for as long as we’ve been…well, humans. In Why Are We Like This? science journalist Zoe Kean takes us behind the scenes of the evolutionary paradoxes that make up life on this planet. Exploring with scientists, from freezing in Tasmanian sleet to a laboratory of sleeping sharks in North Queensland, we see how these evolutionary mysteries might just uncover the secrets of a better life for humans and the creatures we share the planet with.

The ancient ancestors of life on Earth faced the same challenges we do, so let’s learn a lesson or two about how they dealt with them.

‘Why Are We Like This? is a witty and inquisitive exploration of humans’ place in the web of life. It takes readers on a journey through the history of life on Earth – full of wonder, curiosity and tenderness.’ – Tegan Taylor

‘Evolution is not perfect, just good enough. This book brilliantly guides you through this complexity, showing us how we evolved to be marvellously imperfect. Why do we have sex? Why does cancer happen, why do dogs age and sharks sleep? Read this book, and learned up.’ – Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

‘[a] bold, scientifically savvy and nuanced work.’ – Sydney Morning Herald / the Age

‘Kean's book paints a compelling picture of contemporary understandings of evolution, and how it relates to our humanity.’ – Readings Monthly

‘Overall, this book offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about what life is and why we are what we are. As Dr Kruszelnicki is quoted as saying on the cover, it is a “brilliant guide to how we evolved to be marvellously imperfect”. Not only does it provide many thought-provoking observations into evolution, it challenges the very way we’ve always thought about the concept; it is a marvellous and instructive read.’ – Erich Mayer, Arts Hub

‘Why Are We Like This? is profound, philosophical and insightful within science’s sensible and reliable parameters.’ – Mark Parry, Good Reading Magazine