Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human by Dr. Guy Leschziner is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between neuroscience, psychology, and morality. In this thought-provoking book, Leschziner delves into the biological underpinnings of the seven deadly sins—pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth—challenging our traditional views on these age-old concepts.

Leschziner, a professor of neurology, brings a unique perspective to the table, examining how these so-called sins are not merely moral failings but are deeply rooted in our biology and genetics. He provides compelling evidence on how certain medical conditions and neurological disorders can manifest behaviors that society often labels as sinful. This approach not only humanizes these behaviors but also encourages a more empathetic understanding of human nature.

The book is structured in a way that each sin is given its own chapter, allowing for an in-depth analysis of its origins, manifestations, and implications. Leschziner’s writing is both accessible and engaging, making complex scientific concepts understandable for a general audience. His use of real-life case studies adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the narrative, making the science come alive.

For readers interested in the intersection of science and morality, Seven Deadly Sins offers a fresh and enlightening perspective. Dr. Guy Leschziner’s work is a testament to the complexity of human behavior and the intricate ways in which our biology influences our actions. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of what it means to be human.

I found this extremely informative and really enjoyed the case studies that were brought up throughout. The mind is an interesting thing and our perceptions/opinions on certain aspects of the brain/mental health issues are barely understood in a day to day basis.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this. We are taught from a young age what the seven deadly sins are and to avoid them at all costs. This book delves is the minds of several patients who have various medical issues. I learned some insights and takeaways from this book.

Are we wired to sin? Are the "7 deadly sins" inherently immoral or rather evolutionary strategies? What good does it do us, as modern humans in a global society, to vilify them (some more than others)?

These are all questions Leschziner attempts to tackle. There aren't end-all-be-all answers, but the thought-provoking discussions are invaluable.

This should be a good book unfortunately I could not get into it. Thanks to the author for his efforts.

Seven Deadly Sins is both original and quite interesting. Guy Leschziner looks at the seven deadly sins (wrath, gluttony, lust, envy, sloth, greed, and pride) from a biological point. He considers genetics, neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, and pathology to explain how and why humans may do things that are cruel, or behave in a greedy or lazy way. Each sin is dealt with in its own chapter, and the author presents case studies with rare genetic diseases and illnesses that illustrate and cause the patient to act in a "sinful" manner. Some chapters offer fewer biological reasons for sins, like lust and envy, but even those provide curious and intriguing facts. I will be looking at people's index and ring fingers to judge how much fetal exposure to testosterone they had in utero, beginning with my two sons. Lest you think the author is trying to excuse the sins of the Holocaust or genocide and wars that have arisen throughout history due to wrath and greed, he has also written a chapter on free will and its importance. The glossary at the end of this book is especially helpful for those of us who have forgotten the structures and areas of the brain that we may have learned 45 years ago. This book can help us begin to understand how and why we humans act as we do and the ways biology may play a part in our actions. Four and a half stars rounded up.

I hope Mr. Leschziner's next book is about the Seven Cardinal Virtues, but until then I will be reading another one of his books, The Man Who Tasted Words, an exploration of our senses and how the brain understands and/or misunderstands the world around us.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published on December 3, 2024.

It was an interesting read. Not what I'd normally pick up but it had some interesting points that it touched on

Guy Leschziner’s previous book, The Man Who Tasted Words, was one of the reasons I decided to study neuroscience properly. He explains in a clear and entertaining way how our brains cause us to perceive the world we way we do, and how they affect our actions.

In this book, he looks at the Seven Deadly Sins - gluttony, greed, sloth, pride, envy, lust and anger - and asks whether there’s a physical cause for these behaviors. And indeed, there is. Damage to the brain, disruption to the electrical patterns in our neurons, medication or drugs, genetic abnormalities, disease, and trauma can all cause us to behave in ways that are regarded as bad (or, if you believe in such things, sinful). And, significantly, most of the time, we know they’re wrong, but we do them anyway out of compulsion.

Leschziner presents case studies for every one of the sins, showing how a “normal” person can suddenly find their personality utterly distorted for reasons completely outside their control. Peaceable people can become terrifyingly angry. Energetic people can become slothful and apathetic. Love can turn to pathological jealousy. And in each case, Leschziner identifies a neurological cause. As he says, psychosomatic doesn’t mean it’s not real - it means that our brains have an a literal, physical effect on our bodies.

This, of course, raises the uncomfortable question of free will. Are we responsible for what we do? Can we excuse monstrous behavior by saying “my brain made me do it?” Where’s the line between diminished responsibility and dangerous insanity?

I’ll be thinking about this book for weeks or months, perhaps years.