James Q. Wilson (1931–2012)

This is a lucid work of social science that actually illuminates such topics as gender differences, family dynamics, the origins of our moral sentiments, and why the human animal is the way he or she is. The author argues that the daily discourse of ordinary people is permeated with moral references and that these concerns derive from a moral nature that is part of our humanity. We are born neither wicked nor good Wilson argues. Rather we are born to be social, and this is what gives decency a fighting chance.… (more)

This book took me forever... not because it was terrible, but because it's impossible to skim and I kept having to reread sections when I picked it up every other day(reading with a newborn who won't nap is hard!).

Wilson makes some solid points, both scientifically and philosophically. We're not talking religion here-- simply nature vs nurture. I learned a lot about nature but also relearned much of what I knew about Kant, Rousseau, Hume, Locke, Aristotle, etc. I suppose that's why I liked it.

I specifically committed to pick up Adam Smith at least once in my life(Humanities excerpts notwithstanding).… (more)

Bumped into Wilson during a couple of reads of Jonathan Sacks and Stephen Carter. Since I think highly of the latter two, I thought I might like him. Glad I was right.

Some people claim that this book is anti-feminist. I wouldn't really call it that. I would say that the stats (especially 20 years ago) just didn't point in the direction that the feminists wanted. And the research is quite thorough. He doesn't really just look at one side. He always looks at both sides and then provides the most recent or most solidly supported scholarly research. The book is definitely dated(updating the stats on Hispanic culture may be needed) but, when compared with more recent work like [b:Marriage and Caste in America: Separate and Unequal Families in a Post-Marital Age|773464|Marriage and Caste in America Separate and Unequal Families in a Post-Marital Age|Kay S. Hymowitz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348633250i/773464._SY75_.jpg|759515], you can see where we've ended up.

However, where Wilson succeeds in comparison to the latter is in his answer to the "why" question. Hymowitz does a good job explaining what, and how, and a potential solution, but Wilson really delves into the reasoning behind current actions and explores the history of marriage in Western, Eastern, and Southern cultures. I also loved his treatment of racism and its effects.

Worth the read. Gives me higher hopes for his other books.… (more)