RMBL Reads Monthly Book Club: Dan Blumstein | Nature of Fear: Survival Lessons From the Wild

Join other readers for a free monthly book club in Crested Butte, co-hosted by Townie Books. All are welcome, including those who may not have had a chance to read the book ahead of time.

The Nature of Fear: Survival Lessons from the Wild by Daniel T. Blumstein explores the evolutionary origins and ecological context of fear, using animal behavior to provide insights into human responses to danger. Published in 2020, the book argues that fear, while costly, is an essential survival mechanism that has shaped evolution, and by understanding how animals manage risk, humans can better cope with their own anxieties. Blumstein, an expert in animal behavior, examines the benefits and costs of fear, from the “fight-or-flight” response to the role of fear in honing reason and risk assessment.