Frans de Waal, a renowned Dutch primatologist whose groundbreaking research revolutionized our understanding of primate behavior and human nature, passed away on March 14, 2023, at the age of 75.
Born in the Netherlands, de Waal dedicated his life to studying chimpanzees, bonobos and capuchin monkeys, challenging long-held beliefs about the inherent aggression and competitiveness of primates, including humans. His work at Emory University, where he spent decades conducting research, shed light on the complex social dynamics and emotional capacities of our closest living relatives.
De Waal’s findings were instrumental in debunking the notion that primates, and by extension, humans, are naturally “nasty” and aggressive. Instead, his research revealed a remarkable capacity for conflict resolution, reconciliation, cooperation, empathy, fairness and morality among primates. These discoveries had far-reaching implications, not only for our understanding of animal behavior but also for our perception of human nature.
Through his popular books, such as Our Inner Ape, Different and Peacemaking Among Primates, de Waal made his research accessible to a wider audience, captivating readers with his insights into the shared traits between humans and their primate cousins. His engaging writing style and thought-provoking ideas earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following.
[gallery link="none" size="full" ids="236785,236786,236787,236788"]
De Waal’s impact extended beyond the scientific community. In 2007, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, a testament to his ability to shape public discourse on the nature of human behavior. His TED Talks, which have been viewed millions of times, showcased his research in an engaging and accessible manner, highlighting the reconciliatory behavior of chimpanzees, the empathy and reciprocity of monkeys and the parallels between primate and human social behavior.
Lynne Nygaard, chair of Emory’s Department of Psychology, described de Waal as “an extraordinarily deep thinker” whose insights cut across disciplines. His contributions to the field of primatology and his impact on our understanding of human nature cannot be overstated. As de Waal himself once said, “I’ve brought apes a little closer to humans but I’ve also brought humans down a bit.”
Throughout his career, de Waal received numerous accolades for his work, including the E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award in 2020 and the Ig Nobel Prize in 2021. The latter, a satirical award that honors achievements that make people laugh and then think, was a fitting tribute to a scientist who challenged conventional wisdom and encouraged us to reconsider our place in the animal kingdom.
Frans de Waal’s legacy will endure through his groundbreaking research, his thought-provoking books and the countless minds he inspired. His work serves as a reminder that humanity is far more cooperative and empathetic than we often give ourselves credit for and that by studying our primate cousins, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own nature.
With AFP
Born in the Netherlands, de Waal dedicated his life to studying chimpanzees, bonobos and capuchin monkeys, challenging long-held beliefs about the inherent aggression and competitiveness of primates, including humans. His work at Emory University, where he spent decades conducting research, shed light on the complex social dynamics and emotional capacities of our closest living relatives.
De Waal’s findings were instrumental in debunking the notion that primates, and by extension, humans, are naturally “nasty” and aggressive. Instead, his research revealed a remarkable capacity for conflict resolution, reconciliation, cooperation, empathy, fairness and morality among primates. These discoveries had far-reaching implications, not only for our understanding of animal behavior but also for our perception of human nature.
Through his popular books, such as Our Inner Ape, Different and Peacemaking Among Primates, de Waal made his research accessible to a wider audience, captivating readers with his insights into the shared traits between humans and their primate cousins. His engaging writing style and thought-provoking ideas earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following.
[gallery link="none" size="full" ids="236785,236786,236787,236788"]
De Waal’s impact extended beyond the scientific community. In 2007, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, a testament to his ability to shape public discourse on the nature of human behavior. His TED Talks, which have been viewed millions of times, showcased his research in an engaging and accessible manner, highlighting the reconciliatory behavior of chimpanzees, the empathy and reciprocity of monkeys and the parallels between primate and human social behavior.
Lynne Nygaard, chair of Emory’s Department of Psychology, described de Waal as “an extraordinarily deep thinker” whose insights cut across disciplines. His contributions to the field of primatology and his impact on our understanding of human nature cannot be overstated. As de Waal himself once said, “I’ve brought apes a little closer to humans but I’ve also brought humans down a bit.”
Throughout his career, de Waal received numerous accolades for his work, including the E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award in 2020 and the Ig Nobel Prize in 2021. The latter, a satirical award that honors achievements that make people laugh and then think, was a fitting tribute to a scientist who challenged conventional wisdom and encouraged us to reconsider our place in the animal kingdom.
Frans de Waal’s legacy will endure through his groundbreaking research, his thought-provoking books and the countless minds he inspired. His work serves as a reminder that humanity is far more cooperative and empathetic than we often give ourselves credit for and that by studying our primate cousins, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own nature.
With AFP
Béatrice Moreau
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