The Animal Manifesto: Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint

by Marc Bekoff

In this inspirational call to action, Marc Bekoff, the world’s leading expert on animal emotions, gently shows that improving our treatment of animals is a matter of rethinking our many daily decisions and “expanding our compassion footprint.” He demonstrates that animals experience a rich range of emotions, including empathy and compassion, and that they clearly know right from wrong. Driven by moral imperatives and pressing environmental realities, Bekoff offers six compelling reasons for changing the way we treat animals — whether they’re in factory farms, labs, circuses, or our vanishing wilderness. The result is a well-researched, informative guide that will change animal and human lives for the better.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Philosophy, Ebooks, Ecology

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2009

About the author

Please see http://www.literati.net/authors/marc-... and you can read my essays for Psychology Today here -- http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/a... --

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a quick review here: I like Bekoff, but this book is a general primer, an introduction to animal rights, and there are several places where he contradicts himself. We talked about this in our animal rights book group yesterday and the general consensus was that indeed this is not for hardened AR activists, and likely not for those into direct action. However, for Buddhists and other positive people who don't know much about animal rights I can recommend this book. It's written in a kind, considerate manner and Bekoff appears open to being open to others. He does not do a hard sell for the most part. I was disappointed in his lack of response to the dairy industry -- in the chapter on vegetarianism he does not link dairy and meat at all; and he is too wishy washy about animals being used in experiments. Although he does quote Twain (to paraphrase: it doesn't matter what good comes from vivisection, the horrors of the experiment are all you need to know about to know that it is a cruel and terrible thing), he also talks about enriching animals' lives in laboratories, as opposed to the reasoning behind the need for using non-animal models exclusively. But in other places he does come across that way, so it's kind of a schizophrenic read.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this thoughtful, optimistic, and compelling plea, Dr. Marc Bekoff argues that we need to "expand our compassion footprint" toward animals. This means showing gentleness and respect toward your dog, the squirrels in your backyard, the calves in the rodeo, the tuna in the ocean, and the elephants in the circus. Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Boulder and scholar-in-residence at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, shares examples from a wide range of animals, arguing for their intelligence, emotional perspicacity, and individual needs. Brief but rewarding, I wish every American could read this book. I think we'd see a small revolution in animal treatment if they could.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I encourage everyone to read for the benefit of their own wellness, for the health of our planet, and for our children’s future. Even as someone who’s been vegan/plant-based for a few years now, I still learned sooo much and have gained a ton of perspective and wisdom from reading this. I feel this book has bettered me both as a steward for animals and as a human trying to be my most compassionate and empathetic self for all of humanity.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Animal Manifesto is a book that everyone should read to understand both their own and other animals psychology.

The Animal Manifesto talks about how animals think and how we are equals. The book has 6 chapters each just 6 reasons of why animals should be treated better. The Animal Manifesto proves (or at least makes a good argument) Human ignorance and selfishness. It gives examples of study's that show animal intelligence, emotions, and an understanding of what's going on around them.

I recommend The Animal Manifesto to anyone who wants to learn more about animals and how they think. I also recommend this book to anyone that thinks animals are lesser than Humans (for one they should look up the scientific definition for animal to see that Humans are also animals).

1 book

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for anyone who wants to create a more compassionate world for future generations.

[Adam Pluszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just needed such dose of optimism.

[Marília Domingos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mais um livro que acrescento à minha lista de favoritos. Bastante simples de compreender e de ler mas bastante directo na mensagem que pretende transmitir: temos de mudar urgentemente a forma como temos vindo a tratar os animais. Baseia-se em 6 razões principais para que o façamos:
1- Todos os animais partilham a Terra e temos de coexistir. O Homem tem vindo a invadir o espaço dos animais e não exita em eliminá-los com uma bala ou duas quando estes também o fazem, mesmo que essa seja a solução mais preguiçosa e incorrecta para resolver a situação. Temos de aceitar que os animais têm tanto direito a terem o seu espaço como nós; 2- Os animais pensam e sentem. Neste capítulo, Marc apresenta um conjunto de irrefutáveis provas de que os animais não-humanos sentem, têm raciocionio e conseguem demonstrar sentimentos e comportamentos complexos; 3- Os animais têm e merecem compaixão. É nosso dever tratar os animais com compaixão. Compaixão gera compaixão e quanto mais oferecermos, mais receberemos!; 4- A ligação origina respeito, a alienação origina desrespeito. Quando começamos a tentar repudiar e eliminar o nosso "animal" interior, começamos a tratar todos os seres não-humanos com desrespeito. Nós também somos animais e deixar de os ver como seres únicos, com personalidades e características próprias, deixamos de nos preocupar com a forma como os tratamos; 5- O nosso mundo não tem compaixão para com os animais. Neste capítulo, Marc descreve a forma como temos vindo a tratar os animais na pesquisa e experimentação, na alimentação, no vestuário, no lazer e como os animais têm vindo sofrer com isso; 6- Agir com compaixão ajuda todos os seres do nosso mundo. Aqui, somos incentivados a fazer pequenas mudanças no nosso dia-a-dia, a tornarmo-nos todos activistas pelos direitos dos animais e a não deixarmos os braços cruzados. Tratar todos os animais com compaixão pode até incentivar os que não o fazem a mudar o seu comportamento.
Este é um livro bastante fácil de ler e que recomendo. É uma óptima sugestão para um presente de aniversário ou Natal. Não conhecia este autor mas reparei que partilha dos mesmos ideais que eu e que a nossa forma de ver as coisas é extremamente parecida. Por vezes, parecia que estava a ler o meu próprio pensamento. É, sem dúvida, um livro que apela a que pensemos no seguinte: Se os animais podem pensar e sentir, o que pensarão e sentirão sobre as maneiras como os humanos os tratam?

[Tempo de Ler · Rating 5 out of 5]

{Blog} http://tempodler.blogspot.pt/2012/06/...

This book definitely makes us think about what we are doing ... and what we are allowing to do.
Showing human ignorance regarding animal intelligence, Bekoff wrote a book for the general reader - of all ages and both sexes - because we all live in this world and all, in one way or another, deal with animals.
Through amazing stories and studies that prove animals do think and can feel, Bekoff urges us to learn more about them, know their rights and, more importantly, respect them.
I look at this book as something that will lead us to seek other readings of the kind, that stirs our curiosity ... and conscience. That's why I think Bekoff takes an attitude so upbeat and sensible because he recognizes that, in this sense, we advance very slowly, through very tiny steps. That first we need to change mindsets, then, make small changes - and from there to others.
I give five stars to this book, not the way it is written or because it has a superb content, but because it is a book everyone should read.
__________

Este livro põe-nos definitivamente a pensar sobre o que andamos a fazer…e o que andamos a permitir que se faça.
Evidenciando a ignorância humana relativamente à inteligência animal, Bekoff escreveu um livro para o leitor comum - de todas as idades e de ambos os sexos - porque todos vivemos neste mundo e todos, de uma forma ou de outra, convivemos com animais.
Através de notícias espantosas e estudos que provam que os animais pensam e sentem realmente, Bekoff incita-nos a aprender mais sobre eles, a conhecer os seus direitos e, mais importante ainda, conceder-lhos, respeitando todos os animais.
Tenho este livro como algo introdutório que nos levará a procurar outras leituras do género, que nos espicaça a curiosidade…e a consciência. É por isso que penso que Bekoff assume uma atitude tão otimista e sensata porque reconhece que, neste sentido, avançamos muito lentamente, a passos muito pequeninos. Que será necessário primeiro mudar mentalidades, depois executar pequenas mudanças, e partir daí para outras.
Dou cinco estrelas a este livro, não pela forma como está escrito nem porque tenha um conteúdo magnífico, mas porque é um livro que todos devíamos ler.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marc Bekoff's The Animal Manifesto is a great starting place to become aware of the relationship between humans and animals, a great introduction to the idea that we are all animals, humans and otherwise, and that we're meant to largely coexist, not be in constant conflict. Bekoff covers a lot of ground in this book, from farm animals to pets, marine life to wildlife, from circus animals to animals used in scientific studies and more. Bekoff approaches each of these scenarios with a deep understanding of the intelligence, etc. of animals and how we do and/or should relate to them. In fact, in the end I felt like the greatest strength of this book was how the author encouraged unity, both humankind with the other animals with whom we ostensibly share this planet, as well as with fellow humans who may see things a little differently or be in circumstances that have a major impact on how they act in terms of animal life. One thing that becomes clear, both in this book and in life in general, is that the more we learn to empathize with all animals the more compassionate we will be to all living beings. And that's a "win-win" for everyone.

[Ali Baylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great look at the mammal's point of view, including stories of different mammals that will make you realize that we are doing things cuch as animal experimentation, that no longer can be legitamized. For any reason. If fact, there are stories of science experiment that will shock you, done AFTER hemans have already determined the lack of usefulness of certain of the studies in any way. For example, the deprivation studies of monkeys by depriving them of parents as models for human depression, when it has been determined that human depression treatments work very differently on primates than they do in humans.

A fast and easy (not emotionally easy) read- you will finish it in a few hours, if not less.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animals deserve our compassion and respect. In this scientifically grounded book, emeritus professor Dr. Bekoff convincingly argues to rethink how humans relate to animals; whether we hunt them down for sport, eat them, research them or use them for our entertainment. A disturbing, but essential read for all who say they care about creation.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking. This book will definitely make me think more about my actions and how they impact animals, as well as stand up for them. I am definitely going to embrace an even more veggie lifestyle than I already do.

[Vidula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely not a book for anthropocentric people, but for me, it just opened my eyes to how terrible zoos are to animals. It also shows our interdependence to them, and kind of discouraged me from becoming a biologist... I don't want to kill animals :'(

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, There's a lot of news on animal rights on the last years, interesting views from ethologist Marc Bekoff.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most persuasive book, but certainly enlightening. I found Marc Bekoff to be repetitive at times, but the few powerful, resonating passages I read from the book made it worth it.

[Carrie-anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great in expanding my thinking on the way we think/see animals, great for any animal lovers or someone who wants to look at the world in a new perspective

[Liz Estrada · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave this 3 stars because I knew most of what was in this book already, but for novices on this subject it's is a good place to start and get informed on a more compassionate way of living.

[Pat King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sinks in makes you think hard

[Gustav Jelert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virkelig en bog der sætter gang i tankerne om hvordan vi kan behandle dyr og kloden bedre. Også en af de bagvedliggende faktorer til at jeg blev vegetar (tror jeg) (sådan uden jeg ved det)

[Francine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
This book isn’t bad and it is well written. The overall argument that animals have rich inner lives and the absurdity of how much the scientific community tries to assume otherwise is one I can really agree with. I didn’t learn anything new though, it all seemed to be stating a well founded belief I already have. It is a book of its time. The kind of book that talks about serious systemic issues and boils it down to personal responsibility and individual action. The author borrows language from the ecological footprint idea, which is a similar issue. The chapter on factory farming especially was frustrating. Extreme social change would be needed to get rid of factory farming. It is so efficient. Yes, I can choose to raise my meat myself because of where I live or become vegan because there are plenty of options and I can afford it. But that is a privilege so many people just don’t have.

[Magda Prz · Rating 5 out of 5]

'[James Vlahos] pytał: "Jeśli mechanistyczne przekonania Kartezjusza są prawdziwe - jeśli zwierzęta są zasadniczo automatami z krwi i kości, pozbawionymi czegokolwiek, co choć w nikłym stopniu odpowiadałoby ludzkim emocjom, pamięci i świadomości - to dlaczego cierpią na choroby psychiczne, które w sposób niewiarygodny przypominają ludzkie i na które pomagają te same leki? '

//

"W 2008 roku na Uniwersytecie Carnegie Mellon przeprowadzono badania, podczas których sprawdzano, jak bycie wegetarianinem i bycie 'locavore' wpływa na środowisko. Okazało się, że "zrezygnowanie tylko na jeden dzień w tygodniu z czerwonego mięsa i produktów mlecznych potrafi zmniejszyć emisję gazów cieplarnianych bardziej niż spożywanie przez cały tydzień żywności wytwarzanej na miejscu".

[Urszula · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think when it was written, this book could still be quite revolutionary and significant, but it didn't age well. Some of the views are still quite anthropocentric and paternalistic. I think Bekoff also doesn't understand the simple message of utilitarianism, that not all help is equal and that we need to maximize helping animals at scale instead of putting tons of money and effort into saving a few chosen individuals. Therefore, this book comes across as intellectually weak, as it is supposed to be a big statement, but this statement is wrong, at least in how we see animal welfare today. Can't recommend it, just no longer significant.

[Emil Petersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book in service of a noble and undeniably good cause. I wonder if people some undecided number of years down the road sit and wonder how on earth we we're comfortable treating animals as we do anno 2017. I hope they do.

As for the book, it was pretty boring. I gotta say. I spent way too much time reading it because I kept falling asleep, or I ran put of willpower to go on. If you need reasons for why we should be treating animals with respect and dignity, there are at least six in the book.

[Andrew Sternisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some really thought provoking ideas in here that I think the world needs to hear, but there is not much depth to any of the topics that Bekoff examines despite the fact that these are complex issues that should be examined more deeply. Bekoff’s arguments are not particularly well supported here even though there is plenty of data to support his positions. I wish he would have brought more of that into the book.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two stars for the writing itself + one more for how i enjoyed reading this.

“compassion begets compassion”

Bekoff definitely is knowledgeable in this field but I just wished he used more hard science then anecdotal stories.
Granted he acknowledges why he does this in the very beginning but i still felt as that was a crutch to his arguments that he presented.

Good introduction to the state of animal welfare and agriculture.

[Jordan Heustis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t tell if I would recommend this to people who are new to animal rights or experienced. I guess I would say newer people. The stories mentioned were not nearly as graphic as the could have been, and I appreciated that as somebody who has been an AR activist. However, I think new people often need that fire lit under them. This was a good, short book that really just explained some beginning pointers about animals

[Troy · Rating 2 out of 5]

An alright read, wasn't thrilled with it overall. The article headlines scattered throughout seemed lazy and like info dumping. Some of the arguments were a bit weak as well.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only just started this book, and I love it so much. I’ve started using Animal post-it notes to mark my favorite lines!

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Almudena · Rating 2 out of 5]

El título no engaña, es un manifiesto. Y uno cuyo objetivo comparto.
Pero quizás esperaba más información, por encima de la vocación, más datos sobre cognición y emoción animal.