The Voice of the Infinite in the Small: Re-Visioning the Insect-Human Connection

by Joanne Elizabeth Lauck

Should we have compassion and respect for creeping, buzzing, stinging creatures? Joanne Lauck says yes—and challenges the reader to view six- and eight-legged beings as messengers, guides, initiatory figures, and friends. Drawing on myth, touching and funny anecdotes, Native American wisdom, and science, Lauck shows how we can live in harmony with insects, healing an inner aspect of ourselves in the process.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2002

Reviews

[Brian Griffith]

This is an inspiring, compassionate, visionary reflection on the importance of insects. It's a real contribution to our planet

[Glen Venezio]

One further step in expanding our circle of compassion on a shared planet. Developing empathy for insects. The author did extensive research and the book has careful annotation, and the anecdotal material is fascinating. The introduction to the revised edition by the late ecotheologian Thomas Berry contextualizes the book in a meaningful deep way....... This is not my best written review.....I read and reread this book quite a few times, some years ago, but the information is indeed life-altering if you allow yourself to at least momentarily lift your preconceived ideas and fears regarding insects.

[Kris]

I'm not sure how I ended up with this book, but it's definitely weird. Sadly, the techniques she suggests (such as sending mental pictures to the insects bothering you to tell them you want them to go away) don't seem to work for me. I had to get rid of my fruit flies through old-fashioned means (attracting them with juice, then drowning them in soap bubbles.)

[Kate]

You'll think of bugs in a whole new way. This book changed my thinking. :-) Interesting and fun to read.