We Can Thank Bonobos for Our Gentle Traits

Posted by Dalai Lama Center - July 19, 2012

Human evolution studies need to consider both kindly ape and violent chimp, researchers say.

Vancouver Sun, June 14, 2012

Bonobos – in contrast to chimpanzees – ‘make love not war’, are more likely to share food with strangers and are more social and tolerant. Having mapped the DNA of the bonobo, researchers are better able to explore the genetic similarities and differences between the two species and humans. Might this hold some interesting findings for the biological basis of some pro-social human behaviours?

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~ Chief Seattle

EDIT: Thanks to the Arts, Culture and Education Forum for showing us this TED Talk on the "gentle genius of bonobos".