Machiavellian Intelligence: Social Expertise and the Evolution of Intellect in Monkeys, Apes

This book presents an alternative to conventional ideas about the evolution of the human intellect. Instead of placing top priority on the role of tools, the pressure for their skillful use, and the related importance of interpersonal communication as a means for enhanced cooperation, this volume explores quite a different idea— that the driving force in the evolution of human intellect was social expertise—a force which enabled the manipulation of others within the social group, who themselv…