Okay, so I’ve been meaning to dive into this “Evolutionary Psychology” book by David Buss for ages. It’s like the book on the subject, you know? Everyone talks about it. And I finally got around to getting the audiobook version. My goal was to finally understand what all the fuss was about, and audiobooks are perfect for my commute.
Getting Started
First thing I did was find the audiobook. There are a few versions, find a good quality one and load it up on my phone.
The Listening Begins
Man, this book is dense! Buss throws a lot of information at you. I started listening during my drives to and from work. At first, it was a bit overwhelming. I mean, he’s talking about mating strategies, survival instincts, jealousy… all rooted in how our brains evolved over thousands of years. It’s a lot to take in.
Taking Notes (or Trying To)
I quickly realized I couldn’t just passively listen. I needed a way to keep track of the key concepts. So, I started using the voice memo app on my phone. Whenever Buss said something that really struck me as important or interesting, I’d pause the audiobook and record a quick summary or thought. This helped so much. It was like creating my own little study guide.
- Mating Strategies
- Survival
- Jealousy
- How brain evolved
It is the key take away from this book, I think it is very important.
Breaking It Down
Another trick I used was to listen in chunks. I’d focus on one chapter or even just a section of a chapter per day. Then, I’d spend a few minutes before bed re-reading my voice memo notes and trying to connect the dots. Some days, I even found myself Googling stuff to get a better understanding of a particular concept he mentioned.
The “Aha!” Moments
Slowly but surely, things started to click. I started seeing how these evolutionary principles could explain so much of human behavior, both the good and the bad. It was like getting a peek behind the curtain of why we do the things we do. For example, Buss’s explanation of why men and women often have different approaches to relationships… mind blown! I won’t spoil it for you, but it made a lot of sense.
Still Processing
I’ve finished the audiobook now, but I’m definitely not “done” with it. It’s the kind of book you need to revisit and think about over time. I’m still going back to my voice memos and trying to apply what I’ve learned to my own life and observations. Honestly, it’s changed the way I look at people and the world around me. Whether you agree with all of it or not, it definitely gives you a lot to chew on.
My main takeaway? Our brains are wired in some pretty ancient ways, and understanding those wires can help us understand ourselves and each other a little bit better. I recommend giving it a listen, but be prepared to put in some work!
