> and yet most people, once they reach a certain age, still seem to derive more satisfaction from a stable, monogamous relationship than any other arrangement.

> and yet most people, once they reach a certain age, still seem to derive more satisfaction from a stable, monogamous relationship than any other arrangement. You still aren't accounting for societal and cultural pervasiveness of monogamous relationships. It is so historic and traditional it is, if not taught, experienced from the earliest years of life. I feel like in a society with plenty people would be more generous and "risky" in their interactions with others. So I think we are culturally wired that way, but I'm not sold that we are physically wired for monogamy, and I'd site foreign cultures like the Persians where polygamy was common, even when the primary goal was still rapid population expansion.