The Professor in the Cage: Summary Review
This is a summary review of The Professor in the Cage containing key details about The Professor in the Cage.
What is The Professor in the Cage About?
"The Professor in the Cage" is a book by Jonathan Gottschall, an English professor and author. The book is about Gottschall's journey into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), and his exploration of the science of violence and human aggression.
In The Professor in the Cage, the author's unlikely journey from the college classroom to the fighting cage drives an important new investigation into the science and history of violence. The surging popularity of MMA—a full-contact sport in which fighters punch, choke, and kick each other into submission—is just one example of our species’ insatiable interest both in violence and in the rituals that keep violence in check. From duels to football to the roughhousing of children, humans are masters of what he calls the monkey dance: a dizzying variety of rule-bound contests that establish hierarchies while minimizing risk and social disorder.
Summary Points & Takeaways from The Professor in the Cage
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The importance of understanding violence: Gottschall argues that violence is a fundamental part of the human experience, and that it is essential to understand the science of violence and aggression in order to make sense of the world.
* The role of the brain in violence: Gottschall discusses the role of the brain in violence and aggression, and argues that violence is a complex behavior that is shaped by a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors.
* The benefits of martial arts training: Gottschall explores the benefits of martial arts training, and argues that learning to fight can help to build confidence, discipline, and resilience.
* The dangers of aggression: Gottschall discusses the dangers of uncontrolled aggression, and argues that it is essential to find ways to channel our aggressive impulses in positive and constructive ways.
* The power of the fighter's mindset: Gottschall explores the mindset of fighters, and argues that the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is a key factor in success in the cage.
* The book is a unique and insightful exploration of the science of violence and human aggression, and it offers valuable insights into the complex behavior of violence and the benefits of martial arts training.
Who is the author of The Professor in the Cage?
Jonathan Gottschall is a distinguished research fellow in the English Department at Washington & Jefferson College. His research has been covered in the New York Times Magazine, the New York Times, Scientific American, the New Yorker, the Atlantic, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and on NPR.
Book details
- Print length: 304 pages
- Genre: Nonfiction, Psychology, Martial Arts
What are the chapters in The Professor in the Cage?
Chapter 1. The Riddle of the Duel
Chapter 2. Monkey Dance
Chapter 3. Tough Men
Chapter 4. Slaying Goliath
Chapter 5. Survival of the Sportiest
Chapter 6. War Games
Chapter 7. Bloodlust
Chapter 8. What a Fight Means
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “The Professor in the Cage is not just Gottschall's story, but a look at the history of violence itself…. you read Gottschall getting smarter and smarter about his subject as he gets closer and closer to risking his life in the cage.” — Biographile
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal growth, you may want to explore my list of favorite self-improvement books. These books, which have had a significant impact on my life, are carefully curated and come with summaries and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
