'Animate': How Nonhuman and Human Minds Are Inherently Linked

"In his beautifully written, wide-ranging, and impeccably researched book Animate: How Animals Shape the Human Mind, acclaimed author Michael Bond carefully traces how we, humans, arrived at where we are today, disconnected from wild animals and their homes and wrongly thinking of ourselves as superior to other animals and separate from and above them."

"This humancentric arrogance is driven by indifference and the fear of seeing ourselves in other animals, resulting in an era called the Anthropocene, often called 'the age of humanity,' when, in fact, it's more appropriately called 'the rage of inhumanity.'"

"Bond aptly and correctly concludes that, without other animals, 'we can hardly be human.' Animate will make you rethink who they (other animals) truly are and who we truly are."

"Our knowledge about the sentience and intelligence of animals has grown hugely in recent years, and we can no longer hide behind the conceit that they are."

Michael Bond's book, Animate, examines the disconnect between humans and wild animals, highlighting a false sense of superiority. This humancentric view stems from fear and indifference, contributing to the Anthropocene era. Bond emphasizes that our understanding of animal sentience and intelligence has evolved, urging a reevaluation of our relationship with other species. He argues that recognizing our shared traits with animals is crucial for changing our interactions and addressing the ecological crisis we face today.

Read at Psychology Today