This book investigates the fundamental biological and psychological drivers behind human pleasure-seeking behaviors and how these impulses have been regulated throughout history. Paul Martin, a behavioral biologist, synthesizes evolutionary theory and historical analysis to explain why humans pursue gratification through sex, substances, and sensory experiences. He argues that these drives are deeply rooted in our evolutionary past, often conflicting with the social and religious constraints imposed by modern civilization.

The text provides a balanced, scientific examination of human desire that avoids moralizing, grounding its arguments in biological necessity rather than cultural judgment. It serves as an accessible entry point for readers interested in the intersection of evolutionary psychology and social history.