Understanding the Dark Side of Human Nature

By: Professor Daniel Breyer, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Daniel Breyer

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear about someone committing a violent, reprehensible, even evil, act. And each time it happens, before we know anything about the circumstances, we are already sure of one thing: We are nothing like that perpetrator. But how can we be so sure? After all, we are all human.

In Understanding the Dark Side of Human Nature, Professor Daniel Breyer takes us on a fascinating philosophical journey into many of the deepest and darkest questions that have engaged humanity for millennia. The dark side of our nature is our mysterious and fragile underbelly - our negative, but all too human, side. For many of us, it may be easier to simply avoid looking into the darker aspects of ourselves and our world - the suffering we see everywhere around us, from real world events to the entertainment we consume. But the truth is, if we don’t face the totality of what it means to be human, we can never fully understand ourselves or fully appreciate our deep desire for meaning and purpose in our lives.

Thinkers from across the world and in many different eras have considered the dark side of human nature, and that’s why this course will adopt a cross-cultural approach, investigating perspectives from many different traditions - Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and secular. This cross-cultural approach will help you see humanity as fully as possible from many perspectives, better allowing for progress toward finding answers that can apply across cultures and times.

This course is fueled by the power of questions, one of philosophy’s most potent tools. Some are questions we have all asked ourselves: Why do so many people commit violence against others, why is there so much suffering in the world? Professor Breyer provides some fascinating potential answers to many of our darkest questions.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLC

Brilliant and thought provoking

very engaging and dense material made understandable and relevant. highly recommend for both academics and regular folks.

Very philosophical

Not what I expected, but still great. Philosophical perspective on human actions and emotions, it will make you think deeper about a lot

More general philosophy than dark side

It tried to attack philosophy from a “dark” perspective, but for me it fell short. It felt like a gimmick to talk philosophy.

Now don’t get me wrong: the subject matter is good; the delivery is good. I just wanted more specifically about the dark side of humanity.

A lot of useful info

it takes quite some time to finish this book, but it really is a masterpiece. Having all kinds of references which were new to me (e.g. from Buddhism and other cultures), it really opens a third eye and helps you re-configure your place in this world.

Life Changing!!!

In this series of lectures, the very clever Daniel, offers insight into the deepest parts of behavioral science. So many of my life’s questions were answered in a inspiring journey into the darkest parts of the soul. Let the healing begin.

Fantastic trip to the Dark Side.

I found this course to be very insightful. The philosophical and slightly religious context gives a solid juxtaposition to help make the content easier to relate to and absorb. I liked that this course was not super macabre and was ultimately optimistic while offering enough exploration to the darkness inside to satisfy my curiosity.

Dark sides of humanity

The importance of this most interesting book is in getting to think about our own shadows. This book will hold the reader's interest throughout.

Unexpectedly enjoyed

I wasn't completely sure of what I was getting with this title. I'm not a psychologist or philosopher. It turned out to be one of the most interesting books I've purchased. It's well narrated with a voice that isn't grating in 30 minute lectures that ar easily digested by a complete novice, such as myself. While psychology, sociology & philosophy are all referenced It's not so in depth that it completely loses the listener. For me the best parts are the way the author links theories to everyday behavior. It definitely made me rethink how I process interactions and events.

Current, relevant, well conveyed.

Great subtopics and examples, current and ancient. Transitions between perspectives are done skillfully. I'll look for more from Professor Breyer.

Excellent Selection

One of the best courses available here. Professor has good speaking voice and keeps listener intrigued. Listened to several lectures a few times. A keeper.