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The Mind of the Dolphin: A Nonhuman Intelligence
In this Consciousness Classic dating from 1967, Dr. John C. Lilly details the discoveries of his research regarding the abilities of dolphins, current ideas (at that time) about their intellect, and the paradoxes of interspecies communication. The book includes a detailed account of the experiment carried out by Dr. Lilly of having a dolphin and human live together in a specially designed house, and this expanded edition includes black-and-white photo plates and additional articles and writings from Dr. Lilly on dolphins as well as other scientific subjects. This is the book that launched a subculture seeking human–dolphin interaction. Although some of Lilly’s findings on dolphin communication have now been refuted, Dr. Lilly’s willingness to delve into areas not documented in the scientific literature is still an important scientific achievement and a cultural model for younger generations.
404 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
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274 people want to read
About the author
John C. Lilly
27 books211 followersJohn Cunningham Lilly was an American physician, neuroscientist, psychoanalyst, psychonaut, philosopher, writer and inventor.
He was a researcher of the nature of consciousness using mainly isolation tanks, dolphin communication, and psychedelic drugs, sometimes in combination.
He was a researcher of the nature of consciousness using mainly isolation tanks, dolphin communication, and psychedelic drugs, sometimes in combination.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 30, 2008
fascinating information, but hard to read, like slogging through mud
October 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and could definitely read it again.
February 10, 2021
John C Lilly is the grandfather of Dolphin cognition research, everything about Dolphin intelligence was influenced by this man, which I am very grateful for.
Most of the book was pretty interesting, though reading “Man and Dolphin” first I think would’ve been more beneficial since this book is an add on. But I am not paying $2000 for a book! Sorry Amazon! (Lower your prices damn) The Mind of the Dolphin focuses mostly on the philosophy and theory of the experiments performed on the dolphins.
I did agree with some of Lilly’s points about seeing ourselves as a part of nature rather than above it, which was refreshing. The experiments with Peter and Margret were intriguing, even though Margret’s training was something to be desired. Going from “Good boy” to “Margret” which to me was a pretty big leap, when most people don’t do that to human babies. Especially when Peter never grasped the word “Boy” in the first place. Also her constantly scolding and saying “no, no Peter, no” I felt might have been confusing for him, since at this point in time most of her English is just noise to him. But I’m not a scientist so what do I know 🤷🏼♀️
The reason for the three stars was the fact that some of the chapters seemed to go on and on. The chapter on Double Phonation and Stereophonation was extremely long and confusing or maybe I’m just stupid, which is most likely. I was also hoping that the book would’ve focused more on the experiments rather than the theories.
In conclusion I tend to think of this book as a sci-fi novel that had a very anti-climatic ending. If you’re curious on the history of Dolphin intelligence research then give this a read. 🐬🐬
Most of the book was pretty interesting, though reading “Man and Dolphin” first I think would’ve been more beneficial since this book is an add on. But I am not paying $2000 for a book! Sorry Amazon! (Lower your prices damn) The Mind of the Dolphin focuses mostly on the philosophy and theory of the experiments performed on the dolphins.
I did agree with some of Lilly’s points about seeing ourselves as a part of nature rather than above it, which was refreshing. The experiments with Peter and Margret were intriguing, even though Margret’s training was something to be desired. Going from “Good boy” to “Margret” which to me was a pretty big leap, when most people don’t do that to human babies. Especially when Peter never grasped the word “Boy” in the first place. Also her constantly scolding and saying “no, no Peter, no” I felt might have been confusing for him, since at this point in time most of her English is just noise to him. But I’m not a scientist so what do I know 🤷🏼♀️
The reason for the three stars was the fact that some of the chapters seemed to go on and on. The chapter on Double Phonation and Stereophonation was extremely long and confusing or maybe I’m just stupid, which is most likely. I was also hoping that the book would’ve focused more on the experiments rather than the theories.
In conclusion I tend to think of this book as a sci-fi novel that had a very anti-climatic ending. If you’re curious on the history of Dolphin intelligence research then give this a read. 🐬🐬
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October 20, 2009Lilly's writing is at once tedious and sometimes horrifying. Descriptions of brain surgery on creatures that can't be anaesthetized (if they lose consciousness, they drown, since their breathing is entirely voluntary) are bound to be disturbing, even knowing the brain has no pain sensors.
Still, in many ways it's worth the slog. Lilly stopped doing surgery on dolphins (to install electrodes for measuring brain functions) fairly early on, and devoted himself to advocating for the dolphins. I found that taking the book five pages at a time helped.
Still, in many ways it's worth the slog. Lilly stopped doing surgery on dolphins (to install electrodes for measuring brain functions) fairly early on, and devoted himself to advocating for the dolphins. I found that taking the book five pages at a time helped.
April 10, 2024
loved this book! i enjoyed the prose, and lilly has some very refreshing perspectives on science. reading miss howe's notes was a great pleasure as well. i recommend this to anyone who wants to know a lot about a niche and strange topic such as interspecies communication and its benefits
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October 19, 2023___________________________________
FROM BOOK: Le regine dell'abisso. Come la vita delle balene ci svela il nostro posto nel mondo (Rebecca Giggs)
FROM BOOK: Le regine dell'abisso. Come la vita delle balene ci svela il nostro posto nel mondo (Rebecca Giggs)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews