For me the purpose of literature is to remind us of what is good. Dacher Keltner puts the social sciences to work in doing just that. It is refreshing to hear in detail why the phrase “survival of the fittest” completely fails to describe the goals of human existence, considering evidence from human biology, neuroscience, behavioral studies, and a fascinating analysis of human facial expressions. The book is also unapologetically entertaining in the style of a Berkeley professor with his own personal stories. ( )

Fascinating stuff about the evolution of positive emotions and behaviors - why we laugh, smile, touch; how dance evolved; what our minute facial movements really mean - Darwin shows up, as does the Dalai Lama. [ full review ] ( )

Keltner has some good things to say. He makes some points that tend to renew one's faith in humanity. But overall, the writing in Born to Be Good is sort of academic and dry, and the conclusions seem obvious. I guess it's nice that science confirms what intuition tells us--that emotions serve to connect people, that kindness is a path to meaning and happiness. Ultimately, though, I didn't feel it was worthwhile to read a few hundred pages to find that out. ( )