Survival of the Friendliest with Dr. Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods

Join us for a virtual celebration of the new book Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity by Dr. Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods. In this new study, from the trailblazing scientists and bestselling authors behind The Genius of Dogs, a powerful new theory about the secret to our success as a species is introduced and explored: self-domestication.
For over a century in popular culture, “survival of the fittest” has been interpreted to mean that some human lives are more valuable than others. This misunderstanding of the central pillar of biology has been used to justify eugenics and colonialism, and today continues to shape authoritarian agendas, anti-immigration sentiment, and the slow response to COVID-19. In their revolutionary new book, Dr. Hare and Woods bring forth the theory of “survival of the friendliest” at a time the world needs it most, providing actionable solutions based on the knowledge that to survive and flourish, we must expand our definition of who belongs.
Don’t miss this special live digital conversation between Dr. Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, only with the Museum of Science!
After the conversation, stick around for a virtual book signing with the authors! If you would like an autographed copy of Survival of the Friendliest, you can purchase one directly at vanessawoods.net or brianhare.net in advance. During the online ordering process, you can submit any autograph requests (such as the name the inscription should be made out to) and let them know if you would like to see your book signed LIVE during the event.
“How can a top predator like the wolf have evolved to become ‘man’s best friend’? Finally a book that explains in the clearest of terms how friendliness and cooperation shaped dogs and humans. This book left me with a happy and optimistic view of nature.”-Isabella Rossellini, actress and activist
This virtual offering will stream live from the Museum of Science for registrants to enjoy at home. Registrants will receive links to view this program via email within 24 hours of the event start time.
This program is free, thanks to the generosity of the Lowell Institute.
Please consider making a gift to support #MOSatHome and our SubSpace virtual fall season at donate.mos.org/mosathome and become a vital partner in helping us provide access to free STEM experiences online.
FEATURING:
Dr. Brian Hare is a core member of the Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, a professor in Evolutionary Anthropology, and Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. He received his PhD from Harvard University in 2004, and in 2005, following his work at the Max Planck
Institute in Leipzig was awarded the Sofia Kovalevskaja Award, Germany’s most prestigious award for scientist under 40. In 2007, Smithsonian Magazine named Hare one of the top 35 scientists under 36. Hare has published over 100 scientific papers and his research has received consistent national and international attention. In 2019, Hare and his research were featured in Steven Speilberg’s documentary series Why We Hate.
Vanessa Woods is the director of the Duke Puppy Kindergarten and an award winning writer and journalist. In 2010, her book Bonobo Handshake: A memoir of Love and Adventure in Congo won the Thomas Lowell award for nonfiction and her children’s book, It’s true, Space turns you into Spaghetti was named an Acclaimed Book by the Royal Society in 2007. Her books have been translated into 12 languages. Woods received the Australiasian Science award for journalism in 2004.
Hare and Woods live together with their dog Congo in North Carolina. Their first book together, The Genius of Dogs, was a New York Times Bestseller.