In A CROWD OF ONE, John Clippinger takes us through the historical origins of identity and the way it is
influencing – and being influenced by – today's world. He examines origin narratives from around the world
and the religious underpinnings of many peopleís identities, and explores the competing theories of human
nature developed by Hobbes, Adam Smith, and some of the other leading philosophical minds throughout
history. He applies principles from evolutionary biology to show why and how we evolved some of our most
unique capacities: trust, empathy, retribution, honor, virtue, leadership, reciprocity, and collaboration.
Drawing on modern scientific studies, he debunks some of our strongest-held beliefs about individualism,
rationality, self interest and moral absolutism. He challenges thinkers on the Left and the Right and proposes
a new theory of leadership, social virtue, and cooperation derived from evolutionary biology and
neuroscience.
Coming April 2007 from Public Affairs Books
