We all know that genes shape the development of our bodies but what about our personalities, relationships, and social structures? In his sweeping new book, Blueprint, Nicholas Christakis argues that human beings are genetically predisposed to enact a suite of pro-social behaviors, including love, friendship, learning, and self-sacrifice. The human animal, he contends, is more programmed to cooperate than compete.

A creative and interdisciplinary researcher, Dr. Christakis is renowned for his significant contributions to social network science, particularly in the areas of health and behavior. He has conducted groundbreaking studies on the spread of obesity and happiness through social networks. In his new work, he draws on findings from anthropology to neuroscience, not only to outline the evolutionary blueprint of a good society but to suggest the sorts of public policy interventions we need to thrive. He brings the insights of data science to public health, mental well-being, and education.

Dr. Christakis is the author of more than 200 articles and several books, including his bestselling Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives, which was translated into twenty languages. Christakis has appeared on TIME’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world and on Foreign Policy’s list of Top 100 Global Thinkers. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Presented by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization, with support from Honolulu Civil Beat, the Kahala Hotel & Resort, the Department of Economics, and the John A Burns School of Medicine.

The Better Tomorrow Speaker Series is a joint venture of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Series sponsors also include the Queen’s Health System, Ulupono Initiative, and Scholars Strategy Network.