A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century book cover

A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century by Heather Heying & Bret Weinstein Summary

A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century
Heather Heying & Bret Weinstein
3.76 (5741 Reviews)
Psychology
Health
Philosophy

In "A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century," evolutionary biologists reveal why our ancient biology clashes with modern life. Praised for challenging prevailing narratives, they offer a provocative question: What if our evolutionary mismatch explains today's sleep deprivation, dangerous diets, and social disconnection?

About the author

Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein, evolutionary biologists and bestselling authors of *A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life*, combine decades of academic research and interdisciplinary analysis to address today’s societal complexities. Holding PhDs in Biology from the University of Michigan, their work on adaptation and evolutionary principles earned academic accolades before transitioning into public discourse. The book, blending science and cultural critique, explores tensions between humanity’s ancient wiring and modern challenges like technology, social dynamics, and health. As co-hosts of the *DarkHorse Podcast*—a top-ten science podcast on YouTube with over 250,000 subscribers—they distill evolutionary insights for broad audiences. Their expertise has led to invitations from the US Congress, Department of Justice, and global institutions, reinforcing their role as thought leaders. Previously professors at The Evergreen State College, they resigned in 2017 amid campus controversies, later becoming visiting fellows at Princeton University. *A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century* debuted as a *New York Times* bestseller, solidifying their reach beyond academia into mainstream conversations about human flourishing.

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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comments12
likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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comments201
thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
starstarstarstarstar

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