If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal: What Animal Intelligence Reveals About Human Stupidity

The book "The End of Human Exceptionalism" challenges the idea that human intelligence is inherently superior to that of other animals and argues that it is more of a liability than a blessing. The author suggests that non-human animals are successful without the cognitive abilities that often come with human exceptionalism, such as language, rationality, and moral systems. The book explores how these abilities have led to destructive behaviors and the potential for climate catastrophe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

CHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 BY WATERSTONES AND THE TIMES


Entertaining and original, the book offers a thought-provoking read. The Guardian praises its accessibility and insightful nature, describing it as a "thought-provoking read." The Observer also commends the book for its high readability, stating that it is "highly readable." The Times goes as far as to call it "nothing less than brilliant."


However, the question arises: what if human intelligence is more of a liability than a gift? After all, the animal kingdom, in all its diversity, manages to thrive without it. At first glance, human history is filled with remarkable feats of intelligence, yet human exceptionalism can be a double-edged sword. With our unique cognitive prowess comes severe consequences, including existential angst, violence, discrimination, and the creation of a world teetering towards climate catastrophe.


What if human exceptionalism is more of a curse than a blessing? As Justin Gregg puts it, there's an evolutionary reason why human intelligence isn't more prevalent in the animal kingdom. Simply put, non-human animals don't need it to be successful. And, miraculously, their success arrives without the added baggage of destroying themselves and the planet in the process.


In seven mind-bending and hilarious chapters, Gregg highlights features seemingly unique to humans - our use of language, our rationality, our moral systems, our so-called sophisticated consciousness - and compares them to our animal brethren. What emerges is both demystifying and remarkable, and will change how you look at animals, humans, and the meaning of life itself.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399712460