Seven Deadly Sins. The Biology of Being Human

"The power to change how you perceive the world," according to Steven Bartlett, or "The heir to Oliver Sacks," as David Baddiel describes it. Dr. Guy Leschziner's latest book, recognized as a Financial Times Best Book of 2024 and an Independent Book of the Month, investigates the classic concept of the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, pride, envy, lust, and anger. Traditionally viewed as the vices symbolizing immorality and the origins of all evil, these sins are reexamined through a different lens. Dr. Leschziner, a neurology and sleep medicine professor, questions whether these so-called sins indicate moral flaws or represent fundamental human traits embedded in our neurology and psychology.Through his clinical practice, Leschziner provides insights into how specific medical conditions can manifest as these sins, highlighting cases where neurological events or conditions have triggered what some may consider 'immoral' actions. The book delves into how illnesses may uncover innate human tendencies, suggesting these traits might be rooted in evolutionary necessities aimed at safeguarding the community's well-being. Dr. Leschziner proposes that rather than focusing solely on moral interpretations, we should consider a biological perspective, which challenges conventional notions of culpability and accountability in incidents of 'sin.'By merging advanced scientific insights with real patient stories, the book offers a fresh evaluation of where the lines between typical human behavior, pathology, and sin are drawn. It raises critical questions about whether these ingrained characteristics genuinely constitute sin or merely reflect our intrinsic drives to endure and flourish.