Fall in love with the intelligent wit and charm of the octopus

As I read this remarkable book, I found myself falling in love with the octopus. It's true and something I did not expect. The more you learn about these immensely expressive animals with their friendly curiosity and mischievous characters, the more endearing they become, and you just can't help wanting to know more about these amazing creatures.

It's a superb read throughout. A philosophy book, as well as a book about animals, biology, science and evolution. Peter masterfully explains the history of animals, carefully walking you through the logic to reveal some stunning facts about how we all came together. He traces the steps from the behaviour of the first single cell organisms to the invention of eyes, through to the branching of vertebrates and invertebrates, to the origination of perception and so on.

When it comes to specific studies of the octopus such as the way they can recognise individual human beings, their awareness of captivity, their mischievousness and other complex behaviours, their food preferences, their tenacity and engagement with novel objects, it's just simply amazing. And I have named only a few of their incredible attributes.

Godfrey cites philosopher, Stefan Linquist, who once studied octopus behaviour who said: 'When you work with fish, they have no idea they are in a tank, somewhere unnatural. With octopuses it is totally different. They know that they are inside this special place, and you are outside it. All their behaviours are affected by their awareness of captivity.'

I am grateful for the knowledge shared by learned scholars of nature like Peter Godfrey-Smith, a professor of history and the philosophy of science. His book is a joy to read when presented with such candour, integrity and humility. Those who study nature make it possible for others to grasp the incredible findings they assimilate, so that we can appreciate the wonders of our natural world in ways we could not achieve on our own.

This brilliant work is no exception. Peter's love for the oceanic world and all those who live there shines through as the sun shines deep into the ocean. When we can all understand the incredible life that has evolved in our deep seas over millions of years, we can start to make better collective choices and efforts to protect and cherish its many precious and fascinating life forms.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf

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Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness