In his eye-opening debut, cognitive neuroscientist Williams argues that humans’ “primitive drive to connect” has shaped “our behavior over millions of years” and that better understanding this impulse can make for a “less divided” future. The brain has evolved to optimize human connection by centering “face recognition [and] facial expression perception,” which can reinforce prejudice, Williams explains. He points to implicit biases and the cross-race effect, which reveals that “people have a harder time recognizing faces from races other than their own.” Even mirror neurons, which cause humans to “mimic... what we see others doing,” can prove detrimental in negative group environments—for example, a protest in which part of a crowd grows violent—as “a little like a puppet on a string, we are controlled by the mood of the people around us.” Williams’s suggested solutions include “meeting people from... different cultures,” “expanding the circle of the in-group to encompass members of the out-group” (for example, Williams writes that though he grew up in a Catholic family, he might tell non- Catholics that he grew up in a “spiritual family”), and fighting implicit bias in the media. Williams’s personal anecdotes, lucid explanations of his research studies, and chapter summaries make for an argument that’s accessible but not dumbed down, and readers will appreciate his optimistic tone. Pop psychology fans should take note.

Publishers Weekly

This slim book reads like a thought-provoking psychology/sociology course from one's favorite college professor. Written in a chatty style by Williams, a cognitive neuroscientist who specializes in research on faces and facial expressions, the volume takes readers on a journey to discover “how the evolution of the human brain can save the world.” … Each chapter delightfully ends with a bulleted summation of key points and a "Tip of the Chapter" to help readers internalize the take-home message, that the “next time you encounter someone you don’t like, stop and consider why you don’t like them," because "reflecting on our automatic responses is an important step forward.” Extensive notes supplement the text. Highly recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.

Choice Reviews

The Connected Species is gripping and humorous, provocative, moving at times, and brimming with personal reflections. Above all, it is an insightful look at the science of being a human among humans on this tiny ball hurtling through the cosmos.

Christopher Chambers, PhD, author of The Seven Deadly Sins of Psychology and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cardiff University

In The Connected Species, Dr. Mark Williams interweaves history, psychology, and human health to tell the fascinating story of humankind. With warmth and humor, Williams explains how our species is shaped by a powerful drive to connect and affiliate—a drive that can both foster our greatest accomplishments and feed our worst inclinations.

Rebecca Schwarzlose, PhD, author of Brainscapes: The Warped, Wondrous Maps Written in Your Brain-And How They Guide You, and neuroscientist at Washington University

I couldn't put this book down at my first read and will be re-reading it many times. I highly recommend it as a compelling and riveting read, as well as wise and reassuring guidance for anyone who cares about the future of our species.

Amanda Ferguson, psychologist, author of Life Works: Rediscover Yourself and Transform Your Relationships and podcast presenter of Psych for Life

In The Connected Species, Mark Williams explores the evolution of our brain in an accessible and very entertaining way, enabling the reader a thorough and comprehensive understanding of who we are today and what we might be tomorrow.

Christian Keysers, PhD, author of The Empathetic Brain, professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam