Of Mice (or Monkeys) and Men

Understanding human existence requires us to understand what it means to be social animals. This insight, in turn, requires a comparative perspective. We must view the human experience across cultures and time, and in different social and environmental contexts.  And crucially, we must study non-human species that are inherently social.

Scientific studies have shown that although species display different types of social organization, the basic rules are identical.  Our understanding of human behavior has thus been greatly advanced by research on non-human species. Through support of individual scholars and sponsorship of several groups, the Center has promoted the scientific examination of insects, birds, and non-human mammals.

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