Isabel Behncke - Evolution's Gift of Play, from Bonobos to Humans

When you compare the regular chimpanzee and the bonobo, one of the most striking differences is the presence of sometimes incredible violence in the former and the complete absence of it in the latter (at least as far as we have been able to observe over the past 50 years). Both species are wicked smart, and are fascinating in their own ways, but when it comes to getting along with others and being gregarious, there's probably no species on the planet, including humans, who can come even close to bonobos.

This lack of violence is probably not all that surprising once we consider that bonobo societies are matriarchal -feminists are probably wetting themselves as we speak :) -and that social bonding and even conflict resolution are achieved through daily orgiastic feasts. When was the last time you heard of someone wanting to get into a fight after getting laid? Exactly...

In the following TEDTalk presentation, cutie primatologist Isabel Behncke argues (and has the footage to prove) that much of what underlies all of bonobo's friendliness has to do with the fact that they have a life-long commitment to play. And if play is the basis for social bonding and conflict resolution, and it's working out well for bonobos, why not for us too?

I wouldn't mind playing with her :)

And if you want to learn more about bonobo awesomeness, check them out here and here, or just type 'bonobo' in the search bar above.
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