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 The Ape And The Sushi Master Reflections Of A Primatologistby Franz de WaalDec 26, 2001
DescriptionWhat if apes had their own culture rather than an imposed human version? What if they reacted to situations with behavior learned through observation of their elders (culture) rather than with pure genetically coded instinct (nature)? In answering these questions, eminent primatologist Frans de Waal corrects our arrogant assumption that humans are the only creatures to have made the leap from the natural to the cultural domain. The book's title derives from an analogy de Waal draws between the way behavior is transmitted in ape society and the way sushi-making skills are passed down from sushi master to apprentice. Like the apprentice, young apes watch their group mates at close range, absorbing the methods and lessons of each of their elders' actions. Responses long thought to be instinctive are actually learned behavior, de Waal argues, and constitute ape culture. A delightful mix of intriguing anecdote, rigorous clinical study, adventurous field work, and fascinating speculation, The Ape and the Sushi Master shows that apes are not human caricatures but members of our extended family with their own resourcefulness and dignity. Reviews"Absorbing and entertaining...explaining to the interested lay person more clearly than any other book the sound science that lies in the middle of the sometimes shrill debate about the origins of human nature." "[A] remarkable journey of discovery to the heart of a profound question: what can we learn about the evolution of our own cultures by studying the behavior of our primate cousins? [A] deftly written, deeply reflective work." "De Waal is one of our clearest science writers." "An extremely well-written, highly provocative discussion of the origins and meaning of culture." "Clear, elegant prose.... Read de Waal for history and theory, a good grounding in the basics." "A very thoughtful essay.... He writes in a style somewhat like that of Stephen Jay Gould, bringing often complex questions of behavioral research into the ken of thoughtful lay people." “Entertaining and provocative read.” “[F]or those ready for some self-scrutiny, and a less biased view of culture and learning in our fellow creatures, this book will be a revelation. In a sense, de Waal is our animal-behavior sushi master; look over his shoulder and learn what the animals tell us about ourselves.” Selling TerritoryWorld Excluding UK & Commonwealth |
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