The Bonobo and the Atheist: In Search of Humanism Among the Primates

Over the years, world-renowned biologist Frans de Waal has studied the lives of chimpanzees and bonobo monkeys. In the course of his research he revealed the obvious beginnings of ethical behavior in the primate community. According to the author, morality is not a purely human trait, and its origins should be sought in animals. Empathy and other manifestations of a kind of morality are inherent in monkeys, dogs, elephants, and even reptiles.