Appear Man and Think Beast explores the duality of human nature, arguing that while society teaches ideals like goodness and morality, humans are driven by primal instincts such as survival, dominance, and competition. The book asserts that true success in the modern world requires not only appearing civilised but also thinking strategically and ruthlessly, like a beast.
The author challenges the pursuit of ideals, suggesting that they are illusions that mask the brutal realities of life. Ideals like goodness and justice often lead to hypocrisy and corruption. Instead, survival and success depend on recognising and balancing societal expectations with primal instincts such as territoriality, cunning, and adaptability.
Ultimately, the book advocates for embracing both the civilised and primal aspects of human nature to navigate life effectively. It encourages readers to think beyond idealism and focus on pragmatic strategies for survival and power in a competitive world.
