Description

In this book, based on research into animal behavior and psychology, and filled with photographs that convey the author's wonder, the rigorous philosopher surrenders to the mysterious evidence that life has scattered the means of artistic creation everywhere, in all kinds of living beings. The seagull could not ride an air current without an active sensitivity to rhythmic form. Nightingales could not communicate by singing to mark their territories without a dramatic intention. What about the luxury of formal perfection afforded by the potter wasp, which obsessively revises and corrects its work, without any practical purpose? Dogs could not play, nor wolves show submission, if they were not capable of imitation and feigning.
Souriau clarifies that he has no anthropomorphic intentions. But he does believe that a touch of zoomorphism is beneficial when observing humans. We must dismantle the prejudice that animals are blind machines and, conversely, recognize that human beings are exceptional creatures, masters of the world and their destiny, and whose highest and purest expression is art. Ultimately, the awkward courtship dance of shy teenagers demonstrates no greater originality or awareness of beauty than the courtship dances of birds. And social gatherings among humans don't display much more intelligence than the receptions hosted by the bowerbird after it has adorned its home with pebbles and colorful feathers.

Author
Étienne Souriau

Technical specifications
Edited by: Cactus
Year: 2022
Type: Book
Binding: Paperback
Dimensions: 14 x 20 cm
Weight: 170 gr
Spanish
Pages: 128
ISBN: 978-987-3831-68-3