Interesting read. I can’t honestly say I’ve found most of the book applicable to daily life (although it tries hard to be) but it’s intersting. It provides a valuable insight into human nature.

I did find some of Reiss’ theories such as his rejection of the pleasure principle and his choice of genetics over evolution fundamentally flawed.

I applaud Reiss though, for not including spirituality as a value. I would applaud him more except for his last chapter where he does much tip-toeing in order to please the religious right. He does this mostly by seperating himself from Freud, Nietzsche and other critics from religion. I’d rather he point out religions strengths and weaknesses rather than try to make try to make religious people sound “strong” when they’re not.

An interesting read for psychology and possibly philosphy fans.