We are composed of the same atoms as the rocks, soil, mountains and nothing more. They are apparently aware of nothing, whereas we are aware of the physical world, ourselves and much more besides. How is this possible? The current scientific view is that minds emerge from wholly unknowing matter. The idea that mind and matter are, in fact, one and the same has long been considered an elegant, although impractical answer to the question above. This book argues that we live in an intelligent, aware, decision-making universe, and our consciousness grows from the intelligence present throughout nature. It describes recent studies into animal cognition and the sophisticated behaviours of some non-animal life, and examines how Western culture, through religion, science and philosophy, have worked to separate us from nature. It argues the reason mind in nature is seen as an eccentric or mystical notion, is because we humans have wrongly elevated ourselves above all other species. As Charles Darwin once wrote:"He who understands baboon would do more towards metaphysics than Locke."
This is a fascinating exploration of consciousness, questioning the traditional separation between mind and matter. Benton’s central argument that the universe itself might harbor some form of intelligence urges readers to rethink long-standing beliefs about human exceptionalism. The book skillfully weaves together scientific research and philosophical reflection, particularly through its examination of animal cognition, plant behavior, and quantum physics.
*ARC provided by the author through BookSirens*
This book was so well-written, informative, and thought-provoking — it really made me start to view the world differently. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the philosophy of cognition and perception across species, and what it means to be “conscious,” “aware,” or “experiencing” beyond the simplified notions of instinct and reflex; I guarantee you will be re-evaluating your ideas of perceptual experience, intelligence, and awareness. I’ll be looking out closely for Benton’s next book…
Dear author,
If this one is your first book (and written during Covid, the time was efficiently utilized), you are going for a long, enriching ride. Just do not forget to give us (readers) the conscious shares.
As a bookworm, I have observed that first time writers often have a data organization problem, especially for non-fiction. In this case, I am pleasantly surprised how well organized each chapter is. Moreover, the author never lost his aim. The preface confirms that this book pursues and argues that human intelligence superiority over other animal intelligence is a biased Western concept. Note, he has not forgotten to mention that Eastern views on consciousness and Intelligence are significantly different.
I love the way our author has not messed up with the AI intelligence and introduces Quantum physic-based observer's effect. Our tendency to neglect the different presentations/ expressions of animal or plant intelligence is going to affect our knowledge base. The debates on automated biological algorithm vs form of Intelligence with the information on "trick—mapping out the Tokyo area transport network more quickly than a team of experienced urban planners!" of the slime mould fascinates me.
The introduction of Victorian Vitalism, dualism and panpsychism is apt to find the answer of that metaphysical question,
"our bodies contain the same atoms and energy as the rocks, soil and mountains and nothing more, yet they are apparently aware of nothing. Whereas we are aware of all this, of our own existence, and so much more besides. How is that possible?"
I love multiple examples of plant and animal intelligence expressions including the crow 007, the pigeon's pattern recognition, Meerkat Manor, Monty Hall, Spiders' engineering decisions, Gombe incident, Darwin's Jenny, Mimosa experiment and plant telepathy. I adore how the author discusses the limitations in specific researches identifying the irrational gender and cultural bias in human(so called pyramid topper) society. Contextually, the translation and cultural intelligence correlation is worth mentioning.
Finally, the book completely pursues that
"the chimpanzees’ failure to express their social order with material symbols may be a major difference between us and our nearest relative, but is hardly a sign of human superiority".
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
