Instincts First: The Silent Code Guiding Our Lives
By Kamran Seyed Azizi
Beneath our polished words, deliberate choices, and complex civilizations lies an ancient and invisible current—instinct. We like to believe we are rational beings, governed by logic and guided by morality. But what if many of our most important decisions—who we love, what we fear, how we vote, why we believe—are silently choreographed by a primal code running beneath awareness?
In Instincts First, the seasoned landscape designer and philosophical seeker Kamran Azizi, author of "Leggo of the string," with his wealth of experience, takes readers on a bold intellectual expedition across biology, psychology, politics, ethics, and culture. With clarity, warmth, and rigorous thought, he unearths the overlooked force that drives human behavior—from the migration patterns of sea turtles to the quiet power of status, belonging, fear, and sex in shaping societies.
This book is not a rejection of reason, but a quest for truth. Azizi argues that understanding our instincts is crucial for designing more effective systems, building healthier relationships, and fostering lasting peace. From the way media manipulates fear, to the evolutionary origins of morality, to the instinctual flaws in centuries-old laws, Instincts First provides a powerful new perspective on our world and the issues we face today.
Rich with scientific research, historical insight, and provocative questions, this work is designed to engage scholars and everyday readers alike. It dismantles the myth of the purely rational human and reveals something more fascinating: a species capable of understanding its programming—and choosing how to evolve beyond it.
Suppose you've ever pondered why humanity seems to be stuck in a cycle of repeating the same mistakes. In that case, why do you sometimes act against your own beliefs, or how can awareness be our most powerful survival tool? This book is your ticket to understanding.
Not to conquer your instincts—but to finally understand them, and in doing so, empower yourself to make positive changes in your life and the world around you.
