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Masson (Dogs Make Us Human, 2011) has written extensively about emotions in animals and what studying
animals can teach us about being human. Here he examines the negative emotion, anger, and its manifestation as
aggression. Humans often refer to each other as animals, meaning that the other person’s behavior is dangerous or cruel,
but how true is this characterization? Masson argues that the comparison is not at all apt, that we display much more
violence and cruelty against our own species than any other animal on the planet, and that we can actually learn to
change by observing the purported “beasts” that share our world. Examining such human endeavors as war, exploitation,
and hatred, Masson delineates the differences between humans and other animals and points out that we are the only
species that ever shows these behaviors. Even the supposedly positive human traits of kindness and altruism, which we
like to think separate us from the “beasts,” have been frequently demonstrated in other species. Heavily footnoted and
with an extensive bibliography, this one will make you think about the definition of human. --Nancy Bent
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Review
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“Most of us see humans as morally superior to animals, while describing our uniquely human bad behavior (war, torture,
enslavement, extermination) as ‘brutish, animalistic, inhuman, sub-human.' Jeffrey Masson has made me aware that humans
in fact are the only animals that exhibit this behavior, and do so frequently and massively. A groundbreaking book.”
―Daniel Ellsberg
“Masson reveals how we shortchange ourselves with our narrow view of community, by laying down an almost impassable and
rocky road between ourselves and ‘others.' Beasts reminds us of the unforgivable things humans do to dominate animals.”
―Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA
“Beasts is a tour de force that takes us on a journey of human nature, from the organized violence of war, to our
individual cruelty toward solitary humans and animals, to the love, compassion, and altruism that we can show toward one
another. After reading this book, you will never view human nature the same.” ―Con Slobodchikoff, author of Chasing
Doctor Dolittle
“Beasts is profoundly wise, deeply compassionate, and filled with ins and understanding that can reshape the way we
think about ourselves and our relationship to life itself. Inspiring and a joy to read.” ―John Robbins, author of Diet
for a New America
“Jeffrey Masson is a forward-thinking writer who's not afraid to take on some of the most entrenched ideas and revered
thinkers of our age. A provocative book!” ―Jonathan Balcombe, author of Pleasurable Kingdom
“A gentle, thoughtful and remarkably wide-ranging book that explores the nature of humanity and the nature of violence
and hatred, suggesting paths we humans might take to turn toward peace and kindness. Beasts deserves to be widely read
and widely pondered.” ―Pat Shipman, author of The Animal Connection
“A noble pursuit . . . . intriguing.” ―New York Times Book Review
“This one will make you think about the definition of human.” ―Booklist
“Masson's writing is easily accessible to both a general audience and those already familiar with the subject. With a
personal, passionate, and sympathetic style, Masson makes an imperative case . . . . Beasts implores us to rethink our
long-entrenched beliefs regarding the nature of non-human animals, in hopes that by more accurately perceiving the world
around us, we may learn to treat not only other species with greater kindness and compassion, but perhaps our own as
well.” ―The Oregonian
“A compelling, unsettling, provocative examination of the relation of beast to man.” ―Kirkus Reviews
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