There has been quite a revolution in scientific understanding of the lives of animals and we can learn a lot about ourselves by looking at other creatures. Obtaining accurate data about human infidelity is difficult because people lie about it, according to Lipton. But she said various studies indicate it is quite common, with 50 percent of men confessing to at least one affair and 30 percent to 50 percent of women admitting that behavior. Being monogamous is rare. It's similar to wanting to play the violin.
People can love good music and aspire to play the violin.
But most find it difficult and won't practice. Monogamy, like the violin, takes practice and diligence because there are so many temptations. The authors contend that the sexes engage in infidelity for different reasons and that evidence for monogamy in human history is sketchy. Males tend to be opportunistic and have sex out of marriage because it is available and pleasurable. For women it is a way of obtaining something better than their mate, someone who may be richer, more handsome or more powerful, they said.