A review by keepcalmblogon
Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human by Dr. Guy Leschziner

informative medium-paced

5.0

Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human was a Macmillan Audio pick, and it was super fascinating! The idea that the sins arise from biology or mental health instead of moral failings and/or human nature melded science and christianity uniquely! As an atheist, I had “no skin in the game” and was simply intrigued by the notion that moral behaviors/lack thereof had less to do with choice than biology. While this book had a focus on the “seven deadly sins,” I found most appealing the science behind certain drives that can “lead to sin,” i.e. hunger, reproduction, rest. When we think about Maslow’s human needs: food, sleep, shelter, belonging, it’s not hard to see how these basic needs/drives when overdone lead to problems for the individual, and larger society, so therefore were translated by the religion of the culture into a “sin,” or what not to do to survive and benefit the society.

While one would think this kind of book would be dry, Leschziner uses anecdotes from his own work and clients to back up his hypotheses. When not hypothesising, he uses established scientific data to inform the reader. This was a very-well researched book with interesting theories and data throughout. It was definitely a 5 star read!

Leschziner narrates the audiobook himself and I appreciate that when it comes to nonfiction and science!