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Der arrogante Affe: Der Mythos der menschlichen Überlegenheit und was wir von anderen Spezies lernen können | Nominiert als Wissensbuch des Jahres 2026
Das Selbstverständnis der Menschheit als "Krone der Schöpfung" bestimmt maßgeblich, wie wir uns gegenüber anderen Spezies verhalten. Doch was ist, wenn diese arrogante Haltung auf einer Ideologie beruht, die sich wissenschaftlich längst nicht mehr aufrechterhalten lässt?
Die Harvard-Primatologin Christine Webb enthüllt bahnbrechend, wie die Illusion menschlicher Überlegenheit wissenschaftlich widerlegt wird und zeigt die unterschätze Komplexität nicht-menschlichen von der Sprache der Singvögel und Präriehunde, über die Kultur der Schimpanzen und Riff-Fische bis hin zum Scharfsinn der Pflanzen und Pilze. Webb zeigt, was die Menschheit gewinnen kann, wenn sie ihre Illusionen von Einzigartigkeit und Überlegenheit ablegt. Dieser Perspektivwechsel lässt uns staunen und stillt eines unserer ältesten und tiefsten Bedü das Verlangen, Teil des größeren Ganzen zu sein, das wir bewohnen.
Die Harvard-Primatologin Christine Webb enthüllt bahnbrechend, wie die Illusion menschlicher Überlegenheit wissenschaftlich widerlegt wird und zeigt die unterschätze Komplexität nicht-menschlichen von der Sprache der Singvögel und Präriehunde, über die Kultur der Schimpanzen und Riff-Fische bis hin zum Scharfsinn der Pflanzen und Pilze. Webb zeigt, was die Menschheit gewinnen kann, wenn sie ihre Illusionen von Einzigartigkeit und Überlegenheit ablegt. Dieser Perspektivwechsel lässt uns staunen und stillt eines unserer ältesten und tiefsten Bedü das Verlangen, Teil des größeren Ganzen zu sein, das wir bewohnen.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 4, 2025
It would not be an exaggeration to say that this book was life changing. At a young age we are indoctrinated (from birth) to consider ourselves separate and above the natural world. This author weaves a fascinating argument for rethinking everything we are taught about the minds of all species.
We get an overview of some of the amazing skills and abilities to be found in the world of nature. The authors emotional account of her bonding but sometimes frightening encounters with primates in Africa are spellbinding.
I’m am not sure I even knew what the term “human exceptionalism” meant until a few years ago. Now I see the prejudices everywhere! A good read and a real eye-opener.
We get an overview of some of the amazing skills and abilities to be found in the world of nature. The authors emotional account of her bonding but sometimes frightening encounters with primates in Africa are spellbinding.
I’m am not sure I even knew what the term “human exceptionalism” meant until a few years ago. Now I see the prejudices everywhere! A good read and a real eye-opener.
September 24, 2026
Truly transformative!
As a parent, educator, and fellow human being, I found "The Arrogant Ape" a powerful invitation on three levels:
◇ A pause to reflect: It challenges the idea of human exceptionalism and competition, reminding me that we are part of nature, not above it, and prompting me to rethink my mission and how I relate to the world around me.
◇ A source of knowledge: Christine Webb beautifully combines science and personal insight, showing how curiosity and care for other beings are deeply human, from childhood, yet can be diminished by the stories and systems we grow up with.
◇ A reason for hope: Nature reveals that connection and cooperation are woven into the web of life. By learning from it, we may find new ways toward a thriving world for all.
As the book ends:
As a parent, educator, and fellow human being, I found "The Arrogant Ape" a powerful invitation on three levels:
◇ A pause to reflect: It challenges the idea of human exceptionalism and competition, reminding me that we are part of nature, not above it, and prompting me to rethink my mission and how I relate to the world around me.
◇ A source of knowledge: Christine Webb beautifully combines science and personal insight, showing how curiosity and care for other beings are deeply human, from childhood, yet can be diminished by the stories and systems we grow up with.
◇ A reason for hope: Nature reveals that connection and cooperation are woven into the web of life. By learning from it, we may find new ways toward a thriving world for all.
As the book ends:
“Hope centers on potential and uncertainty - it’s about not knowing. In other words, hope is more aligned with humility... Humility means accepting that Nature will ultimately play her part regardless of our plans.”
August 17, 2026
Dear Dr. Webb — I just finished The Arrogant Ape in traditional Chinese version and wanted to thank you.
During the pandemic, leatherbacks came back to nest on Phuket’s beaches in numbers no one had seen for decades. Nothing had been done for them. We had only left. I couldn’t name what I felt watching that. Your book did: awe — and it convinced me the feeling wasn’t sentimentality, but seeing accurately.
Reading it alongside Ferris Jabr’s Becoming Earth, the two close the same argument from both ends: he dissolves the line between life and the supposedly inert planet, you dissolve the one between us and everything else alive.
Thank you for writing it. I hope it reaches many more people.
During the pandemic, leatherbacks came back to nest on Phuket’s beaches in numbers no one had seen for decades. Nothing had been done for them. We had only left. I couldn’t name what I felt watching that. Your book did: awe — and it convinced me the feeling wasn’t sentimentality, but seeing accurately.
Reading it alongside Ferris Jabr’s Becoming Earth, the two close the same argument from both ends: he dissolves the line between life and the supposedly inert planet, you dissolve the one between us and everything else alive.
Thank you for writing it. I hope it reaches many more people.
May 1, 2026
This is a wonderful book and just what we need in this time of poly-crises and civilisation self-immolation. The central premise and the worldview offered must be a foundational premise of any human civilisation going forward. Webb's writing is masterful; it's a page turner. There are also lots of interesting and cool facts and information about many of the other life-forms we cohabitate with here on this lovely planet. Get it. Read it. Share it.
August 24, 2026
6 Sterne, danke für dieses Buch, eine zwingende Lektüre für jeden Menschen. Einfach großartig.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews