Bonded by Evolution

The moral case for unconditional empathy Richard Reeves argues that the modern feminist movement is gradually recognizing a strategic error: the dismissal of male struggles. While many leaders now advocate for boys and men to protect progress for women, Reeves insists on a more profound psychological shift. He believes we must care for boys because they are human beings, not because their success serves a secondary utility. When we condition our empathy on how it benefits another group, we create a transactional environment that men can sense from a mile away. True growth requires a moral proposition that values human flourishing across the board. Politics of blame poisons the dating pool Chris Williamson highlights a "logic seppuku" occurring in modern social dynamics. If society ignores the systemic falling behind of men while simultaneously lamenting a lack of "good men" to date, it creates the very scarcity it fears. This polarization is fueled by political extremes. The left often tells women that the patriarchy is the sole source of their hardship, while the right tells men that "woke feminists" are the enemy. This cross-fire prevents young people from developing the relational skills—like handling rejection gracefully—needed to build lasting bonds. Reclaiming the depth of mate value While evolutionary psychology often reduces dating to a cold marketplace of "mate value," Reeves and Williamson advocate for a more nuanced view. The internet frequently frames attraction as a short-term transaction based on looks or status. However, a deeper analysis reveals that value is revealed over time through patience, poise, and character. We didn't evolve for algorithmic matching across a city of millions; we evolved for social sanctioning and deep observation. The character of the partner you become Ultimately, the solution to the mating crisis isn't just about finding the right match, but about the individual's transformation. Marriage and long-term partnership are not the end of the market journey; they are the beginning of a decades-long evolution. Success in these realms is less about the quality of the person you choose and more about the character of the partner you become.