Jesse Bering is an experimental psychologist and science writer renowned for his work in cognitive science, evolution, and human behavior. His debut book, "The Belief Instinct" (W. W. Norton, 2011), earned widespread recognition, including a spot in the American Library Association’s Top 25 Books of the Year and a place among The Atlantic’s "11 Best Psychology Books of 2011." He further solidified his reputation with "Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That?" (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2012), a collection of Webby-nominated essays, and "Perv" (2013), a critically acclaimed exploration of taboo subjects that was named a New York Times Editor’s Choice. His most recent publication, "A Very Human Ending" (Doubleday, 2018), continues his tradition of thought-provoking scholarship.
Bering’s writing blends rigorous scientific inquiry with accessible prose, tackling complex themes such as religion, sexuality, and human cognition. His works have been translated into multiple languages and featured in prominent outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Atlantic. Beyond his written contributions, Bering has appeared in documentaries and radio programs, including "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman" and NPR’s "All Things Considered." Currently, he serves as Director of the Centre for Science Communication at the University of Otago in New Zealand, where he resides with his partner and their two border terriers.