Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Resonating with our most profound life experiences, this book explains why we trust other people and form lifelong bonds, and why we ignore these connections at our peril. Pinker answers crucial questions about human relationships in a digital age, such as: How important is face-to-face interaction as children develop new skills, when adults fall in love, when they negotiate business transactions, and as they age? How did humans evolve such finely-tuned barometers of trust and betrayal--and do these mechanisms work if you're not face-to-face with your partner? Why are women so often the catalysts of social change? To understand these questions, Pinker turns to compelling human stories combined with cutting-edge science"--