I have recently begun listening to "Our Inner Ape" by Frans de Waal, a primatologist, specializing in studying apes. The chimpanzees are very close to us with 98% of their DNA identical to ours. In the past 30 years or so, bonobos have been observed and they also have 98% of their DNA the same as ours. The chimps are quite war-like and wage deadly battles between groups. They also have a basically male-dominated society and the leaders are always fighting among themselves for the top position.
The bonobos have a more female dominated society and use their sexual parts all the time to give each other and themselves pleasure. A little difficulty, even such as wanting to pass each other on a narrow branch, can be an opportunity for a little sexual rubbing, caressing and stimulation. It doesn't matter whether it involves two members of the same sex or of opposite sex, making friends, getting into a blissful mood, settling an argument - all can be instances of using genitals to soothe and to create good feelings.
Some primatologists have felt that the chimps were a model of the inner, basic drives and habits that humans would show without culture, training and restraint. But when the bonobos were recognized, scientists had two different models of humans.
When I first started reading "Our Inner Ape", I thought it was a little far-fetched to think that much insight into humans could come from the study of apes. But I have recently finished "What Hath God Wrought?" by Howe, a history of the US from 1815 to 1848, a early time in our history when politicians were just getting a picture of how to conduct themselves and the government. De Waal's discussions of chimp politics and political alliances and scheming to gain power sounds exactly like Howe's descriptions of political maneuverings among our parties, senators and presidents.
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Bill
Main blog: Fear, Fun and Filoz
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