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A review by loentropy
Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World by Emma Marris
5.0
This book reinforced and expanded my perspective with regards to non-human animals. The author does an excellent job articulating the complex and nuanced ethical quandaries relating to so-called wild animals by both citing ethical theorists and confronting real-world situations.
Much of this book had me nodding and punching the air in agreement, but I was pushed in my thinking in regard to my perception of myself as somehow separate from nature and The Wild. Even as someone that prefers to used the term 'non-human animals', teaches environmental science to teenagers, and is a passionate vegan; I saw my presence in nature as only negative or destructive. My stance has been forever changed after reading this book. I no longer see humankind as the ultimate ill for the world, the destroyer of nature and wilderness; but now much more as one (albeit damaging and power hungry) piece of the natural world.
The author struggles with the various moral dilemmas that arise when you try to minimize suffering in the natural world. Ultimately there is no answer, but she finishes the book with some very practical frameworks to use when wrestling these big questions.
Also, Chapter 8 about ascribing value is AMAZING. Going to revisit that one over and over, perhaps start off my environmental science courses next fall with it.
Much of this book had me nodding and punching the air in agreement, but I was pushed in my thinking in regard to my perception of myself as somehow separate from nature and The Wild. Even as someone that prefers to used the term 'non-human animals', teaches environmental science to teenagers, and is a passionate vegan; I saw my presence in nature as only negative or destructive. My stance has been forever changed after reading this book. I no longer see humankind as the ultimate ill for the world, the destroyer of nature and wilderness; but now much more as one (albeit damaging and power hungry) piece of the natural world.
The author struggles with the various moral dilemmas that arise when you try to minimize suffering in the natural world. Ultimately there is no answer, but she finishes the book with some very practical frameworks to use when wrestling these big questions.
Also, Chapter 8 about ascribing value is AMAZING. Going to revisit that one over and over, perhaps start off my environmental science courses next fall with it.