The idea that the human brain is akin to the peacock’s tail, which you attribute to Geoffrey Miller of the University of New Mexico (“Blatant Benevolence and Conspicuous Consumption,” August 4, 2007), is not likely to change the way people think of themselves, as you claim somewhat too credulously. Evolutionary psychologists have long toyed with the idea, as witnessed by a plethora of studies linking human intelligence and sexual selection. But the disappointing bit of Dr. Miller’s recent work, which you report in quite some detail, is that he sticks to student subjects and imaginary amounts of money they can spend on charity and art, among other things. Why not focus instead on the information in the public domain about the monies spent by “real” rich men and women on charitable institutions and art collections? Many among them would be more than pleased to contribute to the research. And especially if properly acknowledged by the intrepid researchers, as Dr. Miller’s theory would suggest.