Books by Brights
Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck
Author: Amy Alkon
ISBN-10: 1250030714
ISBN-13: 978-1250030719
To Purchase: Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble
Description
"Miss Manners with Fangs." —LA Weekly
Somehow, we nonbelievers manage to get through the day without clubbing our neighbor for blowing leaves onto our driveway -- despite not believing there’s some big man in the sky waiting to “smite” us.
In Amy Alkon’s science-based and bitingly funny book, “Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck,” she shows that it isn’t religion but our evolved morality that keeps us civilized. In fact, Alkon explains, research shows it is in our self-interest to be moral, and even kind and generous.
Alkon explains that we now live in societies too big for our brains, lacking the constraints on bad behavior that we had in the small bands we evolved in. Alkon shows how we can reimpose those constraints, how we can avoid being one of the rude, and how to stand up to those who are. She answers 21st century questions including:
- Why do many people, especially those under 40, now find spontaneous phone calls rude?
- What can you tape to your mailbox to stop dogwalkers from letting their pooch violate your lawn?
- How do you shut up the guy in the pharmacy line with his cellphone on speaker?
- What small gift to your new neighbors might make them think twice about playing Metallica at 3 a.m.?
Behavioral science, not the minister, has the answers for how we can each behave less counterproductively and dial back all the rudeness -- for a kinder (and more rational) society.
About the Author
Amy Alkon is an award-winning nationally syndicated advice columnist in about 100 newspapers. Her science-based new book, "Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck” (St. Martin’s Griffin), garnered a starred review from Library Journal: "Verdict: Solid psychology and a wealth of helpful knowledge and rapier wit fill these pages. Highly recommended." Alkon does regular science-based manners segments for Los Angeles public radio station KPCC and hosts her own weekly radio show, “Nerd Your Way To A Better Life (with the best brains in science),” featuring the luminaries of behavioral science talking about their books.
