The Trouble with Testosterone

Starred review from March 31, 1997
In 17 wide-ranging and witty essays, 11 of which have been previously published in Discover and The Sciences, Stanford biologist Sapolsky (Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers) provides extraordinary insights into the topic of biological determination. How much of our personalities, our behaviors, our quirks, he asks, are a direct outcome of our genes, or the biochemical processes they control, and how much can be attributed to free will? Sapolsky draws fascinating parallels between humans and our close primate relatives and provides abundant details about some of the latest breaking discoveries in neurobiology, always probing the possible infringements on our personal freedom that might arise from our new knowledge. His specific topics include the timing of the onset of menstruation, whether religious rituals stem from obsessive-compulsive behaviors, the parallels between our fascination with the O.J. trial and voyeurism in baboon societies, grave-robbing in the 19th century, as well as many others. They are all fascinating, and Sapolsky packs his treatments of them with wisdom and delightful surprises. Throughout he criticizes poor scientific methodology as well as those who uncritically accept it. Sapolsky's style, cleverness and sensitivity compares favorably to those of Oliver Sachs.