2018 School Spending Survey Report
On Being Human: Why Mind Matters
Yale Univ. Mar. 2016. 320p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780300217360. $35. PSYCH
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Renowned psychologist Kagan's (emeritus psychology, Harvard Univ.; The Human Spark) main contribution to psychology is the idea that basic temperament is innate rather than a result of environmental conditions. Now, in possibly the only Ivy League press book that contains the recommendation that it is "best read in the evening, preferably over a glass of wine," he reconsiders some of the problems that preoccupy neuro- and social scientists and clearly feels that the pendulum has swung too far toward the former in the nature/nurture debate. In Michel de Montaigne-like essays with titles such as "Hyping Genes," "Can Brain Explain Mind?," "The Family's Contribution," and "What Is Education For?," Kagan defends the importance of traditional concerns such as social status, family dynamics, and behavioral setting.
VERDICT Kagan's work has always been lively and engaging. While more an early-morning-with-coffee read, this volume is an important reminder that behavior is multidetermined. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy the work of Steven Pinker, Oliver Sacks, or Malcolm Gladwell.
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