Orcas (or killer whales) are one of the planet's supreme predators. Alongside humans, they have the most complex brains to be found in nature. But while one of these two species has killed 200 million members of its own kind in the twentieth century alone, the other has killed none. This is where Jeffrey Masson's fascinating new book begins: there is something different about humans. Masson has shown us that animals can teach us much about our own emotions - about love (dogs), contentment (cats) and grief (elephants). But they have much to teach us about the negative emotions such as anger and aggression as well, and in unexpected ways. In Beasts he demonstrates that the violence we perceive in the `wild' is mostly a matter of projection. We link the basest human behaviour to animals, to `beasts', and claim the high ground for our species. We are least `human', we think, when we succumb to our primitive, animal instincts. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Animal predators kill to survive, but there is nothing in the annals of animal aggression remotely equivalent to the violence mankind has inflicted upon itself. Humans, and humans in our modern industrialised world in particular, are the most violent species in existence. We lack what all other animals have: a check on aggression that serves the species rather than destroys it. And it is here that animals have something vitally important to teach us about ourselves.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson is a former psychoanalyst who was, briefly, director of the Freud Archives. He has taught the history of psychoanalysis and journalistic ethics at the University of Toronto and the University of Michigan. At present he is an honorary research associate in the department of sociology at the University of Auckland, in New Zealand. He is the author of numerous books, most recently Dogs Make Us Human, and bestselling books on animal emotions, including Dogs Never Lie About Love, When Elephants Weep, and The Dog Who Couldn't Stop Loving. @jeffreymmasson www.jeffreymasson.com
Most of us see humans as morally superior to animals in every respect, while describing our bad behaviour (war, torture, enslavement, extermination) as `brutish, animalistic, inhuman, subhuman' - as if it reflected `animal' origins. But Jeffrey Masson has made me aware that we in fact are the only animals that exhibit this behaviour, and do so frequently and massively. A groundbreaking book * Daniel Ellsberg * Stand yourself in front of a full-length mirror. You are looking at the more dangerous, aggressive, murderous species on Earth. You may well ask: `Who? Me?' This book demonstrates in appalling detail that yes, it's us all right ... Will we change in time to save the world's animal population, including ourselves? These are the questions that make this an important, if gloom laden book * Daily Mail * A compelling look at what animals at the top of the food chain can teach us about anger, aggression and the history of human violence * BBC Wildlife * Masson presents complex psychological and philosophical aspects of the way we perceive and relate to animals in an accessible way ... A powerful reflection on an issue with far-reaching consequences * The Lady * The word "beast" is one with a long and charged history. As we discover more and more about the emotional and cognitive capabilities of animals, the term seems less and less apropos. Masson delves into who the "beasts" really are in this captivating read * thedodo.com *
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 6.39
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005987790
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR012462507
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: HPB Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_397151824
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Beasts: What Animals Can Teach Us About Human Nature This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9781408818763
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. No dust jacket. Seller Inventory # wbs9315603412
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9781408818763
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP96676481
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Book Trader Cafe, LLC, New Haven, CT, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Like New. First Edition, First Printing. Hardly any sign of use with No Writing in text. Ships with tracking the same or next business day from New Haven, CT. We fully guarantee to ship the exact same item as listed and work hard to maintain our excellent customer service. Seller Inventory # 042523021
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: solisjbooks, Port Kembla, NSW, Australia
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Seller Inventory # 005551
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Stephen White Books, Bradford, United Kingdom
hardcover. Condition: Good. Ex-library book, usual marking. Clean copy in good condition. With Dust Cover. Quick dispatch from UK seller. Seller Inventory # mon0000495084
Quantity: 1 available