Over the past few years, I have discovered how rewarding a trip into the unknown - which in my case preferably means a wide open space with no people around me - can be. The thrill of getting out of my comfort zone was something new and intriguing to me, so I was glad to find a lot of theoretical background to my experience in this book.

It is a fine example of popular science writing, combining personal experience with hard data and studies from disciplines such as genetics, evolutionary biology, neuroscience, computational cognitive science, and psychology-and with stories of explorers from ancient times to the present (including my favorite, Adam Shoalts). I agree with the book's main thesis, that "true exploration [...] is hard, and that's a big part of what we love about it," as well as its conclusion:

“My fears about the imminent end of exploration were based on the assumption that blank spots on the map are a finite resource that might someday run out. But I’ve come to appreciate a much broader conception of what counts as a blank spot worth exploring: not just swaths of untrammeled wilderness, or even packs of unopened hockey cards, but obscure corners of my neighborhood, and unexpected career opportunities, and unfamiliar cuisines. The trajectory of adulthood is toward ever greater efficiency, narrower focus, and well-worn routines that make each day more and more similar to the last. Exploration is the antihabit, the antidote to a diminished palette of life choices. We’re wired to seek out the unknown, to embrace the challenges we find there, and to find meaning in the pursuit.”

Thanks to the publisher, Mariner Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I enjoyed Alex Hutchinson’s previous book, Endure, so I had high hopes for The Explorer’s Gene. Fortunately, it did not disappoint and, in my opinion, was even more wide-ranging and better written and organized than its predecessor.

The author managed to weave together findings from history, genetics, psychology, philosophy, and economics to present what is essentially a unified theory on why humans explore. (A full fifth of the book is citations, which is always a good sign for nonfiction.) As you might expect from all these inputs, it’s not a simple answer: a variety of factors, including dopamine receptors, age, and experience mediate a game theory calculation of how much we should try new things versus exploiting the knowledge we already have. After setting up the requisite science and math to explain why we explore, the author then delves deeper into how this creates meaning in our lives. He even delves into exploration as it relates to new ideas, not just physical exploration or daring new choices.

Unlike many authors, Hutchinson takes both the “popular” and “science” aspects of “popular science” seriously. The writing is clear and contains many examples while exploring a number of complicated topics. You can also hear his voice in his writing; he inserts himself into the book with anecdotes of his own adventures, but not to excess. This book strikes a lot of balances that most science writing can’t quite manage, and it’s an impressive feat. Not only did I learn a ton — and as someone with a degree in psychology, I wasn’t sure I would — I found the book inspiring. I might just get off my butt and do some more exploring.

"The Explorers Gene" examines human exploration in its broadest sense, going beyond traditional expeditions to investigate why humans explore everything from new foods to music.

It's made of 3 parts:
1) Why we explore
2) How we explore
3) What exploring means

Written in an engaging style that combines narrative stories with scientific research, it's comparable to Malcolm Gladwell's work but with stronger research foundations.

It is comprehensive scope and accessibility. It investigates human and animal exploratory behavior.

The book connects external exploration to internal growth, offering insights into decision-making and personal development.

It blends entertainment and scientific rigor, appealing to readers interested in human behavior, science writing, and self-discovery.

A few years ago I read "Endure" by this author: loved it; prattled on to people about the stuff I learned; recommended it over and over. I was so excited to get my hands on a review copy of this next book. Same style: a mix of relevant narrative vignettes and the results of research, but this time about why we explore the world. From the cover, I assumed, wrongly, that this would be entirely about explorers like Roald Amundsen (first to the South Pole) or expeditions like the first successful Everest summit. While it does touch on these, this book is much more. It is about exploring new foods and music, about how children explore more than adults, about why people choose to push themselves to do things like sign up for adventure races. It looks at biology, psychology, with a little philosophy tossed in as it looks at the value of finding the sweet spot of difficulty and pleasure, and about how exploring is part of being human (as well as other animals - we are not alone in this world as explorers). If you like interesting good science writing, are interested in human behavior, or just want to better understand why people try or avoid new things, this book is for you. And while I have you here, you should give Endure a read too (I still can't stop recommending that book as well!)

Wondering if you should pick a familiar food at our favorite restaurant or try something new? Alex Hutchinson explores how we think about facing these options. In a series of stories Alex describes how we tackle these dilemmas. The book easy to read and deeply rooted in science. As entertaining as Malcom Gladwell just build on more solid research. Fun and Informative to read!

What if the drive to explore the world is also the key to understanding yourself?

In The Explorers Gene, the author masterfully unravels the essence of human curiosity through captivating stories of exploration. With rich detail and thoughtful analysis, the book examines the deep-rooted incentives and motivations that drive us to travel, discover, and push boundaries.

What makes this book truly compelling is its ability to turn outward exploration into an inward journey. Its actionable insights encourage readers to reflect on their own approach to navigating life, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and decision-making. This blend of philosophical depth and self-inquiry will linger in your mind, inviting you to view your own life through the lens of exploration and discovery.