Animals Make Us Human
Author Temple Grandin has been described as “the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world.” Grandin has written numerous books on autism issues, and her newest book, Animals Make Us Human, explores the ways animals think, act, and feel based on the author’s unique studies and perspective.
Grandin’s book describes ways she believes humans can give animals the happiest possible lives, on the animal’s terms rather than the human’s. Chapters describe the “core emotional needs” of dogs, cats, farm animals, and some zoo animals, and the author identifies emotions shared by both animals and humans. Grandin’s work draws on her own insights into autism to consider the ways animals emotionally experience their worlds.
“The rule is simple,” Grandin explains, “Don’t stimulate rage, fear, and panic if you can help it, and do stimulate seeking and also play.” The author also provocatively compares the relative quality of life of livestock versus that of “pampered pets” like trophy dogs who end up “alone all day with no human or dog companions.”
This interesting piece from slate.com discusses Grandin’s book and her work as a consultant within the meat industry to improve the conditions of American livestock.
In this NPR interview, Grandin talks about how her autism has helped her see things the way animals do, using a ”sensory-based thinking” process she believes animals also share.
Grandin’s academic homepage shows examples of her handling, restraining, and transport systems along with links to her research articles. The essay “Thinking in Pictures” explains Grandin’s process of translating spoken and written words into images, a process that has allowed her to design invaluable equipment for humane livestock treatment and veterinary care.
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