Episode · EconTalk · 2025-09-01
Books mentioned on Humans Are Overrated (with Christine Webb)
Are humans the most intelligent species, or just the most arrogant? NYU primatologist Christine Webb, author of The Arrogant Ape, believes that human exceptionalism is a myth that does more harm than good.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Arrogant Ape
Discussed“Uh we're the only animal that writes books like this uh like the arrogant ape.”
Where to get it
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Tribe
Tribe by Sebastian Junger is a concise and influential sociological exploration of the human need for belonging, community, and solidarity, particularly in the face of crisis and modern alienation.
Discussed“I think about Sebastian Younger's book tribe on this program. He talked about how uh in colonial American times, people who were kidnapped by Native Americans often didn't want to come home after a while because they found themselves more having a more communal life that they valued, a life closer to the to nature, and they found many rewards”
Where to get it
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Birds as Individuals
Discussed“I mean there's amazing photographs she has this book called birds as individuals. They're amazing photographs that really show how trusting this relationship.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (2) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Passing The Arrogant Ape
“She's the author of The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why It Matters, which is our topic for today.”
Own book The Arrogant Ape
“My guest today has been Christine Webb. Her book is The Arrogant Ape. Christine, thanks for being part of Econ Talk.”