Mr. Darwin Misread Miss Peacock's Mind: A New Look at Mate Selection in Light of Lessons from The book critiques Charles Darwin's idea that female animals (including birds, insects, fish) select mates on the basis of beauty for the sake of beauty. Indeed, the book questions whether the non-human mind is capable of abstract aesthetics. The intent of this work is to promote an understanding of nature and our place as humans among all earthly creatures.