The Scientification of Love

"The Scientification of Love" by Michel Odent presents a multifaceted exploration of love, childbirth, and their physiological underpinnings, particularly focusing on the role of hormones such as oxytocin. Odent delves into the biological and evolutionary aspects of love, linking them to human behavior and societal norms.

Love has been the realm of poets, artists and philosophers throughout history until recently, where it has been studied from a number of scientific perspectives. What the scientists are missing, argues Odent, is that love is vital as a strategy for the survival of the human race. Aggression and domination are no longer what we need to have an evolutionary advantage - what we need is the capacity to love. With a foreword by Miriam Stoppard, the author weaves together data from a multitude of disciplines and is able to offer a number of insightful and exciting explanations and makes the case for the adoption of radical new strategies for human survival. With maternal love as the prototype for all types of love, Odent examines the short, but critical time just after birth which has long-term consequences for our future capacity to love. The author looks at love holistically and in terms of the hormones which affect it in different parts of life, helping us to understand the conflict between civilisation and the natural state of the human race. Originally published in 1999, revised in 2001, and now re-released in paperback for 2014, this controversial and fascinating book by the world renowned Michel Odent is still truly groundbreaking.