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Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology, A Journey into the Wild and Within

Arthur Conan Doyle

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: A Call to the Wild

In a world increasingly dominated by human activity, it is easy to lose sight of our place within the wider web of life. "Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology" by David Abram is a profound and lyrical work that invites us to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover our own animal nature. Through evocative language and insightful observations, Abram takes us on a journey into the wild and into the depths of our own being, revealing the profound interconnectedness of all things.

Chapter 1: The Sensory World

Abram begins by exploring the sensory world of animals, highlighting the ways in which their senses are far more acute than our own. He describes the "olfactory landscape" of a forest, where animals navigate by scent, and the "acoustic space" of a meadow, where every sound has meaning and purpose. By attuning ourselves to these sensory realms, we can enter into a deeper relationship with the non-human world and experience the environment as animals do.

Chapter 2: The Animal Mind

Abram argues that animals possess a unique form of intelligence that is different from human rationality. He draws on the work of biologists and animal behaviorists to demonstrate that animals have a rich emotional and cognitive life, capable of complex social interactions, problem-solving, and self-awareness. By recognizing the intelligence of animals, we can challenge the anthropocentric view that humans are superior to all other creatures.

Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology

by David Abram

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1769 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	338 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Chapter 3: The Animal Body

The body is a central theme throughout "Becoming Animal." Abram explores the ways in which our physicality connects us to the natural world. He describes the animal body as a "porous membrane" that allows us to interact with and be shaped by our environment. Through practices such as tracking and dance, we can learn to inhabit our bodies as animals do, moving with grace and fluidity, and experiencing the world through our senses.

Chapter 4: The Animal Soul

Abram goes beyond the physical realm to explore the concept of the animal soul. He draws on indigenous traditions and animistic beliefs to suggest that animals have a spiritual essence that is interconnected with our own. By acknowledging the sacredness of animals, we can cultivate a greater respect for life and foster a sense of kinship with the non-human world.

Chapter 5: The Animal Community

Abram emphasizes the importance of recognizing ourselves as part of a larger animal community. He argues that the health of the human species is inextricably linked to the well-being of all other animals. Through acts of compassion, reciprocity, and reverence, we can foster harmonious relationships with our fellow creatures and create a more just and sustainable world.

: A Wild Cosmology

"Becoming Animal" culminates in a vision of a new cosmology, one that places animals at its center. Abram invites us to embrace an "earthly cosmology" that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings and celebrates the wildness within us. By reconnecting with our animal nature, we can rediscover our place in the natural world and live in harmony with the rhythms of the earth.

Personal Reflection

"Becoming Animal" has been a transformative book for me. It has opened my eyes to the richness and complexity of the animal world and has inspired me to cultivate a deeper connection with nature. Abram's writing is both poetic and profound, and his insights have challenged me to rethink my own relationship with the non-human world.

I particularly appreciate Abram's emphasis on the sensory world and the importance of attuning ourselves to the subtle rhythms of nature. Through practices such as walking barefoot and listening attentively to the sounds of the environment, I have begun to experience the world around me in a new way.

"Becoming Animal" has also been a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. As Abram points out, the health of our own species is dependent on the well-being of all other animals. By recognizing our kinship with the non-human world, we can foster a greater sense of compassion and empathy and work towards creating a more just and sustainable planet.

I highly recommend "Becoming Animal" to anyone who is interested in nature, animals, or the human experience. It is a book that will challenge your assumptions, open your heart, and inspire you to live in deeper harmony with the wild world.

Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology

by David Abram

4.6 out of 5