Behave is Robert Sapolsky’s comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted influences on behavior. The book delves into how genetics, neurobiology, endocrinology, and environmental factors interact to shape human actions. Sapolsky combines insights from neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and sociology, illustrating that behavior cannot be reduced to simple causes but is the result of a complex interplay of factors acting at different levels—from immediate brain reactions to long-evolved cultural contexts. The work is notable for its accessible synthesis of science and its philosophical reflection on free will, responsibility, and the nature of human behavior.

1. Genetics and Epigenetics – Innate predispositions and gene-environment interactions that shape neurological and behavioral traits.
2. Neurobiology – Brain structures and neural pathways that govern immediate reactions and longer-term behavioral patterns.
3. Endocrinology – Hormonal influences that affect mood, aggression, stress responses, and social bonding.
4. Developmental and Life History Factors – How early experiences and critical periods influence brain wiring and behavior over time.
5. Social and Cultural Context – The role of societal norms, relationships, and cultural history in shaping behavior.
6. Evolutionary Background – The deep-rooted evolutionary processes that inform instincts, survival strategies, and social dynamics.