The Grandpa Hays Project
A Lifetime of Exploring Human Nature, Evolution, and Civilization
Stanford-trained biologist, former scientist, author, and philosopher exploring the deepest questions of human development and purpose
Ph.D. Biological Sciences Stanford University
Former Assistant Professor of Biology
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Scientist
Author & Natural Philosopher
starts here
New To Robert Hays?
Begin your journey with three essential ideas that form the foundation of his work
starts here
New To Robert Hays?
Begin your journey with three essential ideas that form the foundation of his work
The Gap
Theory
Explore Robert Hays' theory of the five-million-year period between the human chimpanzee split and the rise of civilization, where modern human nature evolved.
Natural Life Purpose
Discover a biological framework for life based on six natural stages from growing up and pairing to raising future generations.
Culture Civilization
Learn why cultures evolve through competition and how shared beliefs, values, and leadership shaped successful human societies
core Ideas
Explore The Core Ideas
Begin your journey with three essential ideas that form the foundation of his work
Human Nature
How language, consciousness, cooperation, and morality emerged during human evolution.
Basic Social Unit
Why families and close social groups not isolated individuals are central to human development.
Western Civilization
The Enlightenment, evidence-based thinking, natural law, and the institutions that shaped modern society.
Culture Civilization
How beliefs, goals, manners, and traditions evolve through competition.
about the author
Robert L. hays
Robert L. Hays is a scientist, author, and independent philosopher whose work explores human nature, evolution, civilization, and the ideas that shape our world. Drawing from decades of research in biological science, he examines the values and principles that influence human development and society.
Through the Grandpa Hays Project, Robert shares knowledge and lessons focused on helping younger generations develop critical thinking, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of humanity. His mission is not fame or fortune, but making meaningful ideas accessible through affordable books and thoughtful writing.
Scientist. Philosopher. Author. Grandfather.
featured books
Books intended for youths
What is your life about?
Grandpa Hays's guide to a successful life, Volume 1 second edition
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Mastering your life as an individual
Grandpa Hays's guide to a successful life Book 2
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Mastering Your Social Life
Grandpa Hays's Guide To a Successful LIfe, Vol. 3
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
featured books
COMPILATION
Compilation 1
Grandpa Hay's Substack Posts
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Compilation 2
Grandpa Hay's Substack Posts
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
compilation 3
Grandpa Hay's Substack Posts
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback
featured books
Books by robert l. hays
Mastering your life as an individual
Grandpa Hays's guide to a successful life Book 2
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
western civilization 2
Based on the Gap Theory of Human Nature and Natural Law, Second Edition
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Values And Social Development
A Story of the Social Development of Life on Earth, Levels of Biological Development and Stages of Cultural Development
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
featured books
Books intended for youths
What is your life about?
Grandpa Hays's guide to a successful life, Volume 1 second edition
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Mastering your life as an individual
Grandpa Hays's guide to a successful life Book 2
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Mastering Your Social Life
Grandpa Hays's Guide To a Successful LIfe, Vol. 3
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
western civilization 2
Based on the Gap Theory of Human Nature and Natural Law, Second Edition
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Values And Social Development
A Story of the Social Development of Life on Earth, Levels of Biological Development and Stages of Cultural Development
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Compilation 1
Grandpa Hay's Substack Posts
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
Compilation 2
Grandpa Hay's Substack Posts
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback, Kindle
compilation 3
Grandpa Hay's Substack Posts
by Robert L. Hays
available versions:
Paperback
grandpahays.substack.com
Essays and Articles
Explore Robert L. Hays’ essays and articles on Substack, where he shares insights on human nature, civilization, science, philosophy, and the ideas that shape our world.
Subscription is free, and new posts are typically published every weekend.
Explore 300+ essays and read more at grandpahays.substack.com
Why not steal?
Two video phenomena recently caught my attention. One was short YouTube videos showing booby traps that cover a “porch pirate” or his car in paint or powder. Of course, a “porch pirate” is a person who steals a delivery package from a front porch. The other phenomenon was the wink-nod response in mainstream movies and literature to theft by people in need......
by Robert L. Hays
What’s new in biology
This week I’m posting something I prepared for the firm promoting my ideas. It is a summary of what I see as the major advances of my work......
by Robert L. Hays
How to understand someone
You’ve no doubt heard that humans are social. And that much of your life’s success and happiness depends on your social relationships. Fine. But how do you really get to understand someone else? What do you need to know? I assume, for this post, that you have a particular person in mind...
by Robert L. Hays
Podcasts, media and academia
Robert Hays Interviews and conversations about human evolution natural civilization, and the ideas shaping our fut
- Interview & speaking topics
- Professional bio & photos
- Downloadable media kit
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