Bonded by Evolution

“In this bold and compelling challenge to the popular science of romance, Paul Eastwick argues that human beings have not evolved to find partners who match their beauty and brilliance or maximize the potential of their offspring, but to seek compatibility. The implications of this thesis are both profound and pragmatic, suggesting an entirely different approach to the study—and pursuit—of love.”—Eric Klinenberg, Helen Gould Shepard Professor in the Social Sciences at NYU and coauthor of Modern Romance

“[R]iveting insights . . . This combination of evolutionary thinking with contemporary social processes delivers some of the book’s most interesting and useful moments.”—Science Magazine

“Eastwick’s research comes at an interesting time, when more and more singles are rebelling against the apps, finding them dissatisfying, shallow and fundamentally overwhelming. . . . [Written] with some urgency. . . . [He] takes us right up to the edge of what the research can tell us about love and compatibility, or at least everything that can be measured and assessed.”—Bloomberg Weekend

“[Paul Eastwick’s] new book, Bonded by Evolution, is one of the most joyfully uplifting antidotes to 21st-century gloom, and a call for the rising numbers of single young people to get off their phones and back out there in the real dating world.”—Times (UK)

“In a world saturated with cynical advice about dating and gender, this book is a revelation. Eastwick argues—persuasively and often movingly—that human beings are built for cooperation, not conquest. Bonded by Evolution is rigorous science written with warmth and moral clarity.”—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive and The Power of Regret

“A pro-tip for the lovelorn, Bonded by Evolution overturns the flawed conventional wisdom on love and compatibility. It presents an optimistic new paradigm, one that provides clear guidance for romantic success.”—Eli Finkel, author of The All-or-Nothing Marriage

“Bolstered by thorough research, lucid personal anecdotes, and useful questionnaires, the result is an astute road map for finding a love that lasts.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Cutting through memes, myths, and misinformation, Bonded by Evolution teaches us what science really says about love and dating: All people, of all genders, have been equipped by Mother Nature to build sexy, satisfying partnerships. Whether you are a young person bewildered by the dating world, or a not-so-young person looking for some evidence-based encouragement, you must buy this book!”—Kathryn Paige Harden, author of Original Sin and The Genetic Lottery