Quote by: Robert Trivers

The offspring cannot rely on its parents for disinterested guidance. One expects the offspring to be preprogrammed to resist some parental manipulation while being open to other forms. When the parent imposes an arbitrary system of reinforcement (punishment and reward) in order to manipulate the offspring to act against its own best interests, selection will favor offspring that resist such schedules of reinforcement.


Share this:  

Author Bio


  • NameRobert Trivers
  • DescriptionAmerican evolutionary biologist and sociobiologist
  • BornFebruary 19, 1943
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPsychologist
  • AwardsGuggenheim Fellowship; Crafoord Prize