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The Philosopher and the Wolf: Lessons From the Wild on Love, Death and Happiness
This fascinating book charts the relationship between Mark Rowlands, a rootless philosopher, and Brenin, his extraordinarily well-travelled wolf. More than just an exotic pet, Brenin exerted an immense influence on Rowlands as both a person, and, strangely enough, as a philosopher, leading him to re-evaluate his attitude to love, happiness, nature and death. By turns funny (what do you do when your wolf eats your air-conditioning unit?) and poignant, this life-affirming classic of popular philosophy will make you reappraise what it means to be human.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
221 people are currently reading
3244 people want to read
About the author
Mark Rowlands
37 books148 followersMark Rowlands was born in Newport, Wales and began his undergraduate degree at Manchester University in engineering before changing to philosophy. He took his doctorate in philosophy from Oxford University and has held various academic positions in philosophy in universities in Britain, Ireland and the US.
His best known work is the book The Philosopher and the Wolf about a decade of his life he spent living and travelling with a wolf. As The Guardian described it in its review, "it is perhaps best described as the autobiography of an idea, or rather a set of related ideas, about the relationship between human and non-human animals." Reviews were very positive, the Financial Times said it was "a remarkable portrait of the bond that can exist between a human being and a beast,". Mark Vernon writing in The Times Literary Supplement "found the lessons on consciousness, animals and knowledge as engaging as the main current of the memoir," and added that it "could become a philosophical cult classic", while John Gray in the Literary Review thought it "a powerfully subversive critique of the unexamined assumptions that shape the way most philosophers - along with most people - think about animals and themselves." However, Alexander Fiske-Harrison for Prospect warned that "if you combine misanthropy and lycophilia, the resulting hybrid, lycanthropy, is indeed interesting, but philosophically quite sterile" and that, although Rowlands "acknowledges at the beginning of the book that he cannot think like a wolf... for such a capable philosopher and readable author not to have made the attempt is indeed an opportunity missed."
As a professional philosopher, Rowlands is known as one of the principal architects of the view known as vehicle externalism or the extended mind, and also for his work on the moral status of animals.
His best known work is the book The Philosopher and the Wolf about a decade of his life he spent living and travelling with a wolf. As The Guardian described it in its review, "it is perhaps best described as the autobiography of an idea, or rather a set of related ideas, about the relationship between human and non-human animals." Reviews were very positive, the Financial Times said it was "a remarkable portrait of the bond that can exist between a human being and a beast,". Mark Vernon writing in The Times Literary Supplement "found the lessons on consciousness, animals and knowledge as engaging as the main current of the memoir," and added that it "could become a philosophical cult classic", while John Gray in the Literary Review thought it "a powerfully subversive critique of the unexamined assumptions that shape the way most philosophers - along with most people - think about animals and themselves." However, Alexander Fiske-Harrison for Prospect warned that "if you combine misanthropy and lycophilia, the resulting hybrid, lycanthropy, is indeed interesting, but philosophically quite sterile" and that, although Rowlands "acknowledges at the beginning of the book that he cannot think like a wolf... for such a capable philosopher and readable author not to have made the attempt is indeed an opportunity missed."
As a professional philosopher, Rowlands is known as one of the principal architects of the view known as vehicle externalism or the extended mind, and also for his work on the moral status of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
April 23, 2009
This is not a conventionally nice book -- the author can be a crank carrying around a hypertrophied male ego like a sack of bad gas -- nor is it a sentimental book. Forget Marley & Me. It is a confession and a provocation, the story of a rootless young man becoming a better, more responsible, man by loving a wolf. Yes, it's well-written (Rowlands shares a penchant for employing clear, plain prose with fellow philosopher Colin McGinn) and it has a bunch of Big Philosophical Ideas in it, but those aren't the features that make it indelible. It is seeing a man use all his wits, his intellect and emotional energy, to try and make himself fully understand another creature that is marvelous to behold. It's like watching Jake LaMotta punch, punch, punch. Of course he comes up short -- Rowlands is not a wolf, nor will ever be. But he loved one, and that may be enough to get him to love people, including himself.
The book is a provocation because there are precious few wolves left to love, and many, many more upright apes who are in desperate need of same.
The book is a provocation because there are precious few wolves left to love, and many, many more upright apes who are in desperate need of same.
October 20, 2024
This work is a charming love story between a young philosophy professor and a wolf. This teacher will learn a lot from his wolf, and through their life report, the author engages in a philosophical reflection. There are heartbreaking pages at the end of the book when the old wolf is first very ill, and his master has forced him to sting him; this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys philosophical thinking and loves animals.
July 29, 2010
The Philosopher and the Wolf is an astonishing book, both heartbreaking and heart lifting. Mark Rowlands’ experience of living with a wolf leads him to examine what it is to be human. In general biologists write books of this kind, but as Rowlands is a philosopher, his perspective is profoundly original. The book is a memoir of the author’s day-to-day life with a wolf that leads to a meditation on subjects such as human evil and the pursuit of happiness. Above all, this book is a love story that only a philosopher is able to explain and only a wolf is worthy of.
July 8, 2018
(review in English below)
3,5 *
Este pequeno livro entrelaça, duma forma bastante interessante, episódios da vida do autor com o seu lobo Brenin e reflexões sobre diversos aspectos da vida - e da morte - que esta convivência lhe suscitou.
Não chegou às 4 estrelas porque, a partir de certa altura, pareceu-me que o autor começou a repetir-se, não sei se para se convencer a si próprio ou os seus leitores daquilo que estava a escrever.
De qualquer modo, recomendo a toda a gente (a partir dos 16 anos, antes disso acho que não vale a pena, embora este livro faça parte do PNL para o 3º ciclo, ainda por cima como leitura autónoma), particularmente aos que gostem de lobos e/ou de cães e/ou de pôr em causa algumas ideias comuns sobre a morte e a felicidade.
3.5 stars
This little book weaves, in a rather interesting way, episodes from the author's life with his wolf Brenin with reflexions on several aspects of life - and death - that derived from their coexistence.
It didn't make it to a 4-star rating because, from a certain point on, the author started to repeat himself, maybe to convince himself - or his readers - of what he was writing about.
Anyway, I recommend it ro everybody (16 yo or older, I don't think younger ones will appreciate it), particularly to those who like wolves and/or dogs and/or to question some common thoughts about death and happiness.
3,5 *
Este pequeno livro entrelaça, duma forma bastante interessante, episódios da vida do autor com o seu lobo Brenin e reflexões sobre diversos aspectos da vida - e da morte - que esta convivência lhe suscitou.
Não chegou às 4 estrelas porque, a partir de certa altura, pareceu-me que o autor começou a repetir-se, não sei se para se convencer a si próprio ou os seus leitores daquilo que estava a escrever.
De qualquer modo, recomendo a toda a gente (a partir dos 16 anos, antes disso acho que não vale a pena, embora este livro faça parte do PNL para o 3º ciclo, ainda por cima como leitura autónoma), particularmente aos que gostem de lobos e/ou de cães e/ou de pôr em causa algumas ideias comuns sobre a morte e a felicidade.
3.5 stars
This little book weaves, in a rather interesting way, episodes from the author's life with his wolf Brenin with reflexions on several aspects of life - and death - that derived from their coexistence.
It didn't make it to a 4-star rating because, from a certain point on, the author started to repeat himself, maybe to convince himself - or his readers - of what he was writing about.
Anyway, I recommend it ro everybody (16 yo or older, I don't think younger ones will appreciate it), particularly to those who like wolves and/or dogs and/or to question some common thoughts about death and happiness.
February 17, 2013
I have perused some other reviews of this book here on Goodreads. Those who didn't like it seemed, above all, to be offended by the author's cynical and sometimes brutal depictions of human motivations.
So if you want to read a book that praises and flatters humanity and your sense of yourself, then stay away!
If you don't mind taking a hard look at yourself and admitting that humans are by far the most brutal and evil species on Earth, then you might appreciate this book.
Here's a characteristic passage:
"The more unpleasant the animal, the more vicious it is, and the more insensitive to the possibility of conciliation, the more it has need of a sense of justice. Standing on its own, alone in all of nature, we find the ape: the only animal sufficiently unpleasant to become a moral animal." (p.80.)(note: Rowlands often refers to humans as apes or simians throughout the book.)
There ARE stories about raising, training, and living with a wolf, too! But they seem to be primarily a platform for comparing wolves to humans and not simply a compilation of interesting anecdotes.
Originally, I gave this 5 stars, but I decided to knock it down one. It's a breeze of a read, but it's not a major work of philosophy. It's not a light pop piece, either, because you can't get away from Rowland's deep, unflinching gaze into the heart of human darkness. Because it's therefore a somewhat ephemeral piece, and will leave many readers dissatisfied, I'll have to limit my rating to 4 stars.
One final quote (one of my favorite passages from the book):
"Hope is the used-car salesman of human existence: so friendly, so plausible. But you cannot rely on him. What is most important in your life is the you that remains when your hope runs out. Time will take everything form us in the end. Everything we have acquired through talent, industry, and luck will be taken from us. Time takes our strength, our desires, our goals, our projects, our future, our happiness and even our hope. Anything we can have, anything we can possess, time will take it from us. But what time can never take from us is who we were in our best moments."
So if you want to read a book that praises and flatters humanity and your sense of yourself, then stay away!
If you don't mind taking a hard look at yourself and admitting that humans are by far the most brutal and evil species on Earth, then you might appreciate this book.
Here's a characteristic passage:
"The more unpleasant the animal, the more vicious it is, and the more insensitive to the possibility of conciliation, the more it has need of a sense of justice. Standing on its own, alone in all of nature, we find the ape: the only animal sufficiently unpleasant to become a moral animal." (p.80.)(note: Rowlands often refers to humans as apes or simians throughout the book.)
There ARE stories about raising, training, and living with a wolf, too! But they seem to be primarily a platform for comparing wolves to humans and not simply a compilation of interesting anecdotes.
Originally, I gave this 5 stars, but I decided to knock it down one. It's a breeze of a read, but it's not a major work of philosophy. It's not a light pop piece, either, because you can't get away from Rowland's deep, unflinching gaze into the heart of human darkness. Because it's therefore a somewhat ephemeral piece, and will leave many readers dissatisfied, I'll have to limit my rating to 4 stars.
One final quote (one of my favorite passages from the book):
"Hope is the used-car salesman of human existence: so friendly, so plausible. But you cannot rely on him. What is most important in your life is the you that remains when your hope runs out. Time will take everything form us in the end. Everything we have acquired through talent, industry, and luck will be taken from us. Time takes our strength, our desires, our goals, our projects, our future, our happiness and even our hope. Anything we can have, anything we can possess, time will take it from us. But what time can never take from us is who we were in our best moments."
November 1, 2021
از کتاب: ((اگر میخواستم در یک جمله انسانها را تعریف کنم، این میشد: انسانها حیواناتی هستند که داستانهایی را که دربارۀ خودشان میگویند، باور میکنند. انسانها حیواناتی زودباور هستند)).
همینجوری خیلی شیک، تا آخر کتاب مارو یه مشت میمون بی خاصیت شیطان صفت خاک بر سر جلوه میده و از توجه کردن به هر چیز خوب در مورد انسان اجتناب میکنه
لحن تندش، همه پسد نیست!
از اون کتابایی بود که نمیشد خیلی راحت باهاش ارتباط گرفت! ولی با همهی خاص بودنش میتونم بگم جملها داشت دلنشین که:
((زمان در نهایت همه چیز را از ما خواهد گرفت. هر چه از طریق استعداد، صنعت و شانس به دست آورده ایم از ما گرفته خواهد شد. زمان، قدرت، خواسته ها، اهداف، پروژه های ما، آینده، شادی و حتی امید ما را می گیرد. هر چیزی که می توانیم داشته باشیم، ، زمان آن را از ما خواهد گرفت. اما چیزی که زمان هرگز نمی تواند از ما بگیرد، بهترین کسی که در لحظه هایمان بودیم، است.)).
همینجوری خیلی شیک، تا آخر کتاب مارو یه مشت میمون بی خاصیت شیطان صفت خاک بر سر جلوه میده و از توجه کردن به هر چیز خوب در مورد انسان اجتناب میکنه
لحن تندش، همه پسد نیست!
از اون کتابایی بود که نمیشد خیلی راحت باهاش ارتباط گرفت! ولی با همهی خاص بودنش میتونم بگم جملها داشت دلنشین که:
((زمان در نهایت همه چیز را از ما خواهد گرفت. هر چه از طریق استعداد، صنعت و شانس به دست آورده ایم از ما گرفته خواهد شد. زمان، قدرت، خواسته ها، اهداف، پروژه های ما، آینده، شادی و حتی امید ما را می گیرد. هر چیزی که می توانیم داشته باشیم، ، زمان آن را از ما خواهد گرفت. اما چیزی که زمان هرگز نمی تواند از ما بگیرد، بهترین کسی که در لحظه هایمان بودیم، است.)).
December 11, 2023
اینکه این کتاب تونسته با همین دویست و اندی صفحه اینهمه موضوعات ثقیل رو در خودش جا بده، به خودی خود تحسین برانگیزه.
در موازات با داستان زندگی نویسنده با گرگش هم از کلیت داستانها لذت بردم و هم در مورد خیلی از سوالات بزرگ و مهم زندگیم ابعاد تازه ای برای فکر کردن بهم اضافه شد.
نثر نویسنده دوستانه و کم طمطراقه و کمتر کتابی مثلش دیدم که همین بدعت میتونه یه دلیل خوب برای خودند و پیشنهاد کردنش باشه.
در موازات با داستان زندگی نویسنده با گرگش هم از کلیت داستانها لذت بردم و هم در مورد خیلی از سوالات بزرگ و مهم زندگیم ابعاد تازه ای برای فکر کردن بهم اضافه شد.
نثر نویسنده دوستانه و کم طمطراقه و کمتر کتابی مثلش دیدم که همین بدعت میتونه یه دلیل خوب برای خودند و پیشنهاد کردنش باشه.
March 8, 2017
'The Philosopher and the Wolf: Lessons from the Wild on Love, Death and Happiness' was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Open Road Media.
This book is part memoir, part story of the 11 years spent with his wolf named Brenin and the impression that he made on his life, and part philosophical interpretation of what it means to be human. I can’t claim to be a true lover of Philosophy; however, this book and the author’s writing style kept me engaged. The novels main emphasis tends to focus on the differences between men and wolves from a philosophical stand point. Not only his personal philosophical views but also various different philosophers’ and how their opinions and views apply to certain situations.
The book does not consistently tell the story of his life with Brenin, rather there are bits and pieces interspersed throughout the book with philosophical concepts in between. I would have liked to see more time spent on the connection between him and Brenin because their relationship was pretty amazing.
“But when I remember Brenin, I remember also that what is most important is the you that remains when your calculations fail – when the schemes you have schemed shudder to a halt, and the lies you have lied stick in your throat. In the end, it’s all luck – all of it – and the gods can take away your luck as quickly as they confer it. What is most important is the person you are when your luck runs out.”
The novel was very intellectually stimulating; I just wish I had more knowledge of philosophy in order for me to be able to truly appreciate it. Insightful, nonetheless, and I did enjoy the experience.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
This book is part memoir, part story of the 11 years spent with his wolf named Brenin and the impression that he made on his life, and part philosophical interpretation of what it means to be human. I can’t claim to be a true lover of Philosophy; however, this book and the author’s writing style kept me engaged. The novels main emphasis tends to focus on the differences between men and wolves from a philosophical stand point. Not only his personal philosophical views but also various different philosophers’ and how their opinions and views apply to certain situations.
The book does not consistently tell the story of his life with Brenin, rather there are bits and pieces interspersed throughout the book with philosophical concepts in between. I would have liked to see more time spent on the connection between him and Brenin because their relationship was pretty amazing.
“But when I remember Brenin, I remember also that what is most important is the you that remains when your calculations fail – when the schemes you have schemed shudder to a halt, and the lies you have lied stick in your throat. In the end, it’s all luck – all of it – and the gods can take away your luck as quickly as they confer it. What is most important is the person you are when your luck runs out.”
The novel was very intellectually stimulating; I just wish I had more knowledge of philosophy in order for me to be able to truly appreciate it. Insightful, nonetheless, and I did enjoy the experience.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
January 13, 2015
This book was difficult to get through. As an animal behavior specialist and an anthrozoologist I found Mr. Rowlands' attempts as defining and bridging the gap between human and wolf riddled with problems. While he clearly had a memorable and life-changing relationship with his wolf, Brenin, he often describes his behavior toward Brenin in terms that are nothing short of indifferent to Brenin's perspectives and filled with the human need for power and control. While I am certainly envious of Rowlands' experience, I feel for Brenin and the lack of representation of his perspective of his treatment at the hands of humans. The canid training advice is rather old school and was difficult to get through. Respect and fear are not the same, and it isn't apparent that Mr. Rowlands clearly understands the difference from a non-human's perspective. As Mr. Rowlands berates a dog trainer for being an amateur philosopher and should stick to training advice - Mr. Rowlands would do well to stick to philosophy. However, if one gets through this book there are some gems to be found. And, they are worth searching for throughout the entire story.
September 13, 2013
E' la nostra sfida che ci redime
Molto bello. Il mio tipo di libro. Mi aspettavo un romanzo, in realtà è più una raccolta di brevi saggi filosofici, di tono divulgativo, che non si perdono in formalismo ma vanno subito al punto per trasmettere qualcosa. Tutti partono dalla storia-romanzo di sottofondo, quella dell’autore e del suo lupo. Il fascino dell’animale si sovrappone così a profonde ed intelligenti riflessioni sulla civiltà ed il contratto sociale, sull’evoluzione dell’uomo e su cosa ci contraddistingue dagli animali, sul concetto di felicità e la sua ricerca, sulla morte, sul tempo. Si parte spesso dal pensiero di filosofi come Hobbes, Nietzsche, Kant, per sviluppare in breve le loro idee e adattarle a quelle dello scrittore. C’è credo un tema, un pensiero più centrale di altri. Quello del “senso della vita”, difficile da riportare con le parole, specie se poche. Un senso che ad ogni modo va ricercato nei momenti piuttosto che in tutta la vita. Un senso che si cristallizza nella perfezione di alcuni attimi piuttosto che altri; attimi solitamente terribili, ma dove riveliamo la nostra vera natura. Il senso della vita che l’autore ha trovato nell’attraversare il proprio inferno personale, quando è stato costretto ad infliggere un male a Brenin per tentare di salvarlo; un senso che per il lupo si rivela appieno quando, da cucciolo, viene completamente immobilizzato, sottomesso e preso per il collo da un bulldog rischiando la morte. In quel momento, la sua reazione è un ringhio sommesso di sfida, non un guaito, non una supplica o un pianto di terrore. Questo è un libro che lascia qualcosa ed offre molti spunti di riflessione. Cosa rara. Mi sorprende che molti si siano lamentati di non esser riusciti a seguire le “parti filosofiche”, il centro del libro sono sicuramente quelle.
Molto bello. Il mio tipo di libro. Mi aspettavo un romanzo, in realtà è più una raccolta di brevi saggi filosofici, di tono divulgativo, che non si perdono in formalismo ma vanno subito al punto per trasmettere qualcosa. Tutti partono dalla storia-romanzo di sottofondo, quella dell’autore e del suo lupo. Il fascino dell’animale si sovrappone così a profonde ed intelligenti riflessioni sulla civiltà ed il contratto sociale, sull’evoluzione dell’uomo e su cosa ci contraddistingue dagli animali, sul concetto di felicità e la sua ricerca, sulla morte, sul tempo. Si parte spesso dal pensiero di filosofi come Hobbes, Nietzsche, Kant, per sviluppare in breve le loro idee e adattarle a quelle dello scrittore. C’è credo un tema, un pensiero più centrale di altri. Quello del “senso della vita”, difficile da riportare con le parole, specie se poche. Un senso che ad ogni modo va ricercato nei momenti piuttosto che in tutta la vita. Un senso che si cristallizza nella perfezione di alcuni attimi piuttosto che altri; attimi solitamente terribili, ma dove riveliamo la nostra vera natura. Il senso della vita che l’autore ha trovato nell’attraversare il proprio inferno personale, quando è stato costretto ad infliggere un male a Brenin per tentare di salvarlo; un senso che per il lupo si rivela appieno quando, da cucciolo, viene completamente immobilizzato, sottomesso e preso per il collo da un bulldog rischiando la morte. In quel momento, la sua reazione è un ringhio sommesso di sfida, non un guaito, non una supplica o un pianto di terrore. Questo è un libro che lascia qualcosa ed offre molti spunti di riflessione. Cosa rara. Mi sorprende che molti si siano lamentati di non esser riusciti a seguire le “parti filosofiche”, il centro del libro sono sicuramente quelle.
August 10, 2018
3.5 stars
I’m not a fan of philosophy books probably because I never had a proper philosophical education. I can read philosophical essays with pleasure, but very seldom I read any treatises, the way they are written, especially the newer ones – all this pop philosophy, I really miss the appeal. Even when I do agree with the author, I don’t enjoy reading them. This said, I really enjoyed The Philosopher and the Wolf, a book that in a way is a perfect example of this pop philosophy. Which either means that so far I read such books of low quality or that is a really neat exception. Or maybe that I really do love wolves, even if they are a mix and have dog blood in them.
Mark Rowlands is a young Philosophy lecturer who buys a wolf-dog cub and spends years with him, adjusting his own life a lot to meet the needs of the animal. The book depicts their story, relationship and brotherhood they created and how it influences both the human and the wolf. The wolf’s, Brenin’s, personality and actions inspire Rowlands to muse about the essence of humanity, of human’s (monkey’s) nature, of good and evil. The life with a wolf (which Rowlands is perfectly aware is not 100% wolf – I believe he uses his canine friend as a metaphor here), although described in detail and full of anecdotes is just a starting point to a philosophical deliberations.
It certainly made me think and inspired to wonder about what is my opinion of topics mentioned in the book. Do I agree with all the author’s ideas. I’m not sure. Although, when I was reading I couldn’t disagree, I’m just not sure, especially regarding all the comparisons, that it can be posed in such a clear juxtaposition. In a way the author forces quite a black-and-white image of the world, of people and other animals and at times it felt like an oversimplification. On the other hand, I’m quite sure that agreeing or not is not really the point here. The book’s aim, in my opinion, is to make the reader reconsider some ideas we often take for granted. It was quite demanding at times (but maybe because my brain was slowed down by holidays and heat), fresh and fun.
It is a quick read, flowing, perfect for summer. The author is full of distance towards himself and dry sense of humour that sometimes may escape us when we are reading and he becomes insufferable then. Better keep that in mind, then enjoying the book is much easier and fuller. If you are a wolves’ enthusiast, you should be pleased with The Philosopher and the Wolf as well.
I’m not a fan of philosophy books probably because I never had a proper philosophical education. I can read philosophical essays with pleasure, but very seldom I read any treatises, the way they are written, especially the newer ones – all this pop philosophy, I really miss the appeal. Even when I do agree with the author, I don’t enjoy reading them. This said, I really enjoyed The Philosopher and the Wolf, a book that in a way is a perfect example of this pop philosophy. Which either means that so far I read such books of low quality or that is a really neat exception. Or maybe that I really do love wolves, even if they are a mix and have dog blood in them.
Mark Rowlands is a young Philosophy lecturer who buys a wolf-dog cub and spends years with him, adjusting his own life a lot to meet the needs of the animal. The book depicts their story, relationship and brotherhood they created and how it influences both the human and the wolf. The wolf’s, Brenin’s, personality and actions inspire Rowlands to muse about the essence of humanity, of human’s (monkey’s) nature, of good and evil. The life with a wolf (which Rowlands is perfectly aware is not 100% wolf – I believe he uses his canine friend as a metaphor here), although described in detail and full of anecdotes is just a starting point to a philosophical deliberations.
It certainly made me think and inspired to wonder about what is my opinion of topics mentioned in the book. Do I agree with all the author’s ideas. I’m not sure. Although, when I was reading I couldn’t disagree, I’m just not sure, especially regarding all the comparisons, that it can be posed in such a clear juxtaposition. In a way the author forces quite a black-and-white image of the world, of people and other animals and at times it felt like an oversimplification. On the other hand, I’m quite sure that agreeing or not is not really the point here. The book’s aim, in my opinion, is to make the reader reconsider some ideas we often take for granted. It was quite demanding at times (but maybe because my brain was slowed down by holidays and heat), fresh and fun.
It is a quick read, flowing, perfect for summer. The author is full of distance towards himself and dry sense of humour that sometimes may escape us when we are reading and he becomes insufferable then. Better keep that in mind, then enjoying the book is much easier and fuller. If you are a wolves’ enthusiast, you should be pleased with The Philosopher and the Wolf as well.
July 15, 2016
Brenin e Mark
Um lobo fala com o corpo; e o que o corpo de Brenin dizia era óbvio: fui apanhado! Seria talvez de esperar que ele adoptasse uma atitude mais despreocupada e até indiferente em relação ao assunto do furto. Não sei como é que o teu prato ficou assim. Não fui eu. Estava assim quando aqui cheguei. Ou até: já tinhas comido tudo antes de saíres daqui., ó velho caquético. Mas os lobos não fazem essas coisas. Eles falam. E o que é melhor - nós conseguimos compreendê-los. O que eles não sabem fazer é mentir. E é por essa razão que eles não têm lugar na sociedade civilizada. Um lobo não consegue mentir, e um cão também não. É por isso que pensamos que somos melhores do que eles.
August 10, 2024
Uma extrordinária experiência da partilha de tempo, espaço e emoções com um ser estraordinário - Um Lobo.
Uma experiência que, sendo feita por um filósofo, teria com certeza muitas reflexões ao longo dos onze anos de partilha.
Apesar de não me interessar muito por filosofia e me interessar muito por zoologia, houve uma combinação entre as duas que tornou esta leitura muito interessante.
Vídeo sobre a leitura desta obra
Uma experiência que, sendo feita por um filósofo, teria com certeza muitas reflexões ao longo dos onze anos de partilha.
Apesar de não me interessar muito por filosofia e me interessar muito por zoologia, houve uma combinação entre as duas que tornou esta leitura muito interessante.
Vídeo sobre a leitura desta obra
August 26, 2010
I wasn't sure about this until I got to the second page.
Have to read the rest. :-)
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Well, I've just finished, and I'm back to feeling not quite sure. This is a bit of a hodge-podge, part memoir, part collection of philosophical musings, part personal reflections- not unlike a psychoanalytic journal, part discussion of the ideas of Descartes and Wittgenstein et al. It's not clear what Rowlands intends, and I think he admits as much in his introduction. In many ways this book reflects his muddling through his thoughts and feelings after living with Brenin. I think I would have welcomed some more self-reflection, a greater sense of the development of his personality. But Rowlands might say that the ape in me is longing for a clearer goal, a target to aim for. :-) I am interested in his idea about the differences between the ape and the wolf. But, he's a bit too glib, too slick for me to accept his thesis at face value. Christy, there are some flaws in the copy-editing, too. Bad sign!
Having said all that, I'll admit the story of Brenin's passing left me bawling like a baby. No credit to Rowlands. I've been a bit of a waterspout lately. But he does convey with sincerity the depth of his attachment to the wolf, and how grievous was the loss.
I shall sleep on this, and perhaps read it again.
This is also a book about what it means to be human - not as a biological entity but as a creature that can do things no other creatures can. In the stories we tell about ourselves, our uniqueness is a common refrain. According to some, this lies in our ability to create civilization, and so protect ourselves from nature, red in tooth and claw. Others point to the fact that we are the only creatures that can understand the difference between good and evil, and therefore are the only creatures capable of being good or evil. Some say we are unique because we have reason: we are rational animals alone in a world of irrational brutes. Others think it is our use of language that decisively separates us from dumb animals. Some say we are unique because we alone are capable of free will and action. Others think our uniqueness lies in the fact that we alone are capable of love. Some say that we alone are capable of understanding the nature and basis of true happiness. Others think we are unique because we alone can understand that we are going to die.
I don't believe any of these stories as accounts of a critical gulf between us and other creatures. Some of the things we think they can't do, they can. And some of the things we think we can do, we can't. As for the rest, well, it's mostly a matter of degree rather than kind. Instead, our uniqueness lies simply in the fact that we tell these stories - and, what's more, we can actually get ourselves to believe them. If I wanted a one-sentence definition of human beings, this would do: humans are the animals that believe the stories they tell about themselves. Humans are credulous animals.
Have to read the rest. :-)
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Well, I've just finished, and I'm back to feeling not quite sure. This is a bit of a hodge-podge, part memoir, part collection of philosophical musings, part personal reflections- not unlike a psychoanalytic journal, part discussion of the ideas of Descartes and Wittgenstein et al. It's not clear what Rowlands intends, and I think he admits as much in his introduction. In many ways this book reflects his muddling through his thoughts and feelings after living with Brenin. I think I would have welcomed some more self-reflection, a greater sense of the development of his personality. But Rowlands might say that the ape in me is longing for a clearer goal, a target to aim for. :-) I am interested in his idea about the differences between the ape and the wolf. But, he's a bit too glib, too slick for me to accept his thesis at face value. Christy, there are some flaws in the copy-editing, too. Bad sign!
Having said all that, I'll admit the story of Brenin's passing left me bawling like a baby. No credit to Rowlands. I've been a bit of a waterspout lately. But he does convey with sincerity the depth of his attachment to the wolf, and how grievous was the loss.
I shall sleep on this, and perhaps read it again.
May 9, 2010
This is a book with three entwined strands. There is the story of Brenin, the author's wolf: his life and behaviour, and his impact on Rowlands' own life. There are philosophical discussions that spin off from anecdotes about the wolf. And, implicit in both, there is the journey, the pathology, of the misanthropic, solitary man who is telling us all this.
The writing is thoroughly engaging: often humorous, always (so far as one can judge) honest and diligent. Rowlands, philosopher that he is, examines his assumptions as he goes, questions his own interpretations of events even as he presents them. The philosophical excursions are not technical or ground-breaking: this is a work for a general audience, not one intended to advance his own field; but nor are they new-age bubblegum. The links between those discussions and the lupine anecdotes from which they arise are genuine and clear, not contrived as they easily could have been. This makes for a satisfyingly rounded book.
Rowlands does not hide his own failings as a human being (though he would question what could be meant by 'success'), and so we see not only how much he adjusts his life to accommodate his furry companion, but also how dependent he in turn, alcoholic and otherwise alone, becomes on the love of his 'pack-brother'. This is both moving and a little strange, as he is quick to acknowledge. The 'Lessons' he learns from the wolf (or from reflecting on the way it lives) have real substance. I felt he laboured his points towards the end, in discussing our relationship with time, but he makes a worthwhile case.
Withal, the most immediately thrilling parts are the tales of Brenin the wolf: Destroyer Of Furniture, long-distance runner, globe-trotting philosophy student. Rowlands' descriptions of the animal are filled with warmth and acute observation. I came away in no doubt as to the privilege it had been for this man to have the companionship of such a creature, even through a time of desperate illness, and of the boon the bond had been for both of them. And as it happens, the fact that it is these intense moments that strike the reader most is vindication of Rowlands' thesis. A life-affirming read.
The writing is thoroughly engaging: often humorous, always (so far as one can judge) honest and diligent. Rowlands, philosopher that he is, examines his assumptions as he goes, questions his own interpretations of events even as he presents them. The philosophical excursions are not technical or ground-breaking: this is a work for a general audience, not one intended to advance his own field; but nor are they new-age bubblegum. The links between those discussions and the lupine anecdotes from which they arise are genuine and clear, not contrived as they easily could have been. This makes for a satisfyingly rounded book.
Rowlands does not hide his own failings as a human being (though he would question what could be meant by 'success'), and so we see not only how much he adjusts his life to accommodate his furry companion, but also how dependent he in turn, alcoholic and otherwise alone, becomes on the love of his 'pack-brother'. This is both moving and a little strange, as he is quick to acknowledge. The 'Lessons' he learns from the wolf (or from reflecting on the way it lives) have real substance. I felt he laboured his points towards the end, in discussing our relationship with time, but he makes a worthwhile case.
Withal, the most immediately thrilling parts are the tales of Brenin the wolf: Destroyer Of Furniture, long-distance runner, globe-trotting philosophy student. Rowlands' descriptions of the animal are filled with warmth and acute observation. I came away in no doubt as to the privilege it had been for this man to have the companionship of such a creature, even through a time of desperate illness, and of the boon the bond had been for both of them. And as it happens, the fact that it is these intense moments that strike the reader most is vindication of Rowlands' thesis. A life-affirming read.
February 16, 2017
I'm vacillating between two and three stars on this one, but I think I'll end up with two. There were times, especially in the first half of the book, when Rowland's philosophical musings seemed insightful and original, and his anecdotes about his wolf were interesting and seemed to have a point. But the further along I got, the less focused the book felt. More importantly, I quickly tired of hearing about how crappy "simians" (apes and people) are compared to wolves. Rowland makes valid points, but avoids -- more and more conspicuously -- taking note of almost anything good about humanity. Later in the book, he admits to being a "misanthrope," so I guess that explains the antipathy, but it also explains what is wrong with the book: all of his thinking boils down to a distaste for people, coupled (sometimes rather awkwardly) with an almost blind adoration for wolves (and a sort of condescending indulgence of dogs). That's his prerogative, but a book can only be so good when that's all it has to go on. By the end of this one, it seems pretty clear that Rowland has realized he doesn't have much of a point to make, and the writing gets more and more repetitive as he attempts to delay the ending long enough to find one.
So, for people who love wolves and/or dislike humans, it probably serves well as a sort of affirmation of the reader's feelings. For anyone interested in the "Philosopher" part of the title, I think you are bound for disappointment.
So, for people who love wolves and/or dislike humans, it probably serves well as a sort of affirmation of the reader's feelings. For anyone interested in the "Philosopher" part of the title, I think you are bound for disappointment.
June 21, 2017
Człowiek czasem ma wiele szczęścia. Moje polega na tym, ze mam genialna siostrę, która poleciła mi te książkę.
Książka została napisana chyba dla mnie na dokładnie tym etapie życia, na którym jestem - patrz -> "nie wiem, jaki jest sens życia i chętnie przeczytam coś, co mi to sensownie wyjaśni".
Jest to książka głęboko filozoficzna, dopiero potem biograficzna. Cechy wilka porównywane są do ludzkich, co daje piękną podstawę do rozważań na temat moralności, szczęścia a nawet pojmowania celu życia i śmierci.
Jest przenikliwie mądra i choć czasem to nam nie w smak, idealnie opisuje ludzka naturę. Jest po prostu PRAWDZIWA.
A tak jeszcze bardziej osobiście, wpłynęła na zmianę mojego patrzenia na mojego kocura. Mam dla niego teraz więcej szacunku jako jednostki (swoją droga bardzo charakternej).
Mądra, dobra, wrażliwa, przy tym momentami bardzo zabawna i pomimo trudnych tematów napisana w lekki sposob - połykasz w całości.
Książka została napisana chyba dla mnie na dokładnie tym etapie życia, na którym jestem - patrz -> "nie wiem, jaki jest sens życia i chętnie przeczytam coś, co mi to sensownie wyjaśni".
Jest to książka głęboko filozoficzna, dopiero potem biograficzna. Cechy wilka porównywane są do ludzkich, co daje piękną podstawę do rozważań na temat moralności, szczęścia a nawet pojmowania celu życia i śmierci.
Jest przenikliwie mądra i choć czasem to nam nie w smak, idealnie opisuje ludzka naturę. Jest po prostu PRAWDZIWA.
A tak jeszcze bardziej osobiście, wpłynęła na zmianę mojego patrzenia na mojego kocura. Mam dla niego teraz więcej szacunku jako jednostki (swoją droga bardzo charakternej).
Mądra, dobra, wrażliwa, przy tym momentami bardzo zabawna i pomimo trudnych tematów napisana w lekki sposob - połykasz w całości.
February 13, 2017
Siendo directo y conciso, este es uno de los libros más importantes que he leído. Me sacudió de una manera que todavía no entiendo y que me tardare en entender.
De entrada no es un libro para todos, el autor hace un desdén constante sobre nuestra naturaleza de "simio" y a mucha gente no le gusta que hablen mal de su propia naturaleza, pero creo y siempre he creído que la confrontación es la que saca algo de nosotros, que con el tiempo es lo que vale la pena. Es un libro que te confronta, que te reta, que te destruye incluso si lo dejas. Y creo que debes dejar que lo haga.
Un filósofo y su lobo, su convivencia y aprendizaje durante 10 años. Para algunos de nosotros esa convivencia y esas palabras escritas en este libro son un regalo de cierta manera inesperado, no sabía que necesitaba tanto leer este libro hasta que lo hice. Y es un libro al cual recurriré bastantes veces.
Un libro que me destrozó tal cual lo hizo Demian de Hesse hace unos cuantos años atrás.
De entrada no es un libro para todos, el autor hace un desdén constante sobre nuestra naturaleza de "simio" y a mucha gente no le gusta que hablen mal de su propia naturaleza, pero creo y siempre he creído que la confrontación es la que saca algo de nosotros, que con el tiempo es lo que vale la pena. Es un libro que te confronta, que te reta, que te destruye incluso si lo dejas. Y creo que debes dejar que lo haga.
Un filósofo y su lobo, su convivencia y aprendizaje durante 10 años. Para algunos de nosotros esa convivencia y esas palabras escritas en este libro son un regalo de cierta manera inesperado, no sabía que necesitaba tanto leer este libro hasta que lo hice. Y es un libro al cual recurriré bastantes veces.
Un libro que me destrozó tal cual lo hizo Demian de Hesse hace unos cuantos años atrás.
December 29, 2014
Sono entusiasta di questo libro, quindi niente di oggettivo in questa recensione, sappiatelo.
Fratello Rowlands, quante volte ho scrollato il capoccione in segno di approvazione, leggendoti, abbiamo viaggiato assieme per un pezzo di strada, anche se io non avevo un lupo che insegnasse, ma cani si, sotto i 35 chili e sempre rigorosamente bastardi figli di canili o salvati da morte certa come la levriera che abbiamo ora.
Anche il vegetarianesimo é arrivato a poco a poco, da loro, avendomi fatto comprendere il grado di dissociazione a cui noi primati possiamo arrivare: amiamo gli animali, oh quanto li amiamo! al punto tale da rimuovere completamente il fatto che quelli che finiscono in padella in tutti i modi possibili hanno fatto una vita di sofferenza immane e una morte orrenda per arrivare nello stomaco di chi ancora li mangia. Per non parlare del fatto che nessuno sa e tanto meno vuole sapere dove sono i macelli e tantomeno anche sapendo dove sono ci entrerebbe. (Come Coetzee scrive e fa dire alla sua Elisabeth Costello: non era così anche per i campi di concentramento? Ma Coetzee va oltre e a Elisabeth, una vecchia signora, fa dire che noi agli animali riusciamo a fare ancora di peggio: li alleviamo in campi di concentramento, li facciamo riprodurre in modo non-dicibile, e li uccidiamo in modi ancora più indicibili, e questo in una catena degli orrori che non ha mai fine. Leggetelo: La vita degli animali, Coetzee, premio Nobel)
E poi complotti e inganni in cui prim-eggiamo, creare debolezza negli altri per avere il potere,
ritirarsi dal mondo perché non se ne può più del solito andazzo scimmiesco.
Questo é un libro che con me sfonda porte spalancate, mentre invece andrebbe letto da coloro che le porte le hanno ancora sprangate, ma per leggere un libro così dovrebbero averle quantomeno solo accostate. E' il paradosso dei libri di questo tipo, chi ne avrebbe un gran bisogno non li leggerà mai, chi già é arrivato lì, a parte trovare un compagno di viaggio e pensare: ahhhhhhh! finalmente! si, si, é proprio così!! (faccenda che come dice DFWallace ti capita qualche volta nella vita quando leggi qualcosa, ma quando succede il risultato é che ti senti decisamente meno solo al mondo, almeno un altro la vede, la sente, la pensa come te, e per quanto mi riguarda la scrive anche meglio di quanto potrei fare io in 100 vite, e questo, questo dovrebbe essere lo scopo di un buon libro ben scritto, che sia romanzo, saggio, racconto), bhé, potrebbe anche non leggerlo.
Ah, e poi fratello Rowlands, per finire vorrei dirti che il cioccolato ai cani non si dà, una tavoletta di cioccolato amaro può uccidere un cane di 30 chili, quindi non ho mica capito come hai fatto per quasi un anno o giù di lì a comprare brioches au chocolat e spartirle con i tre 4zampe, mi immagino che lo chocolat te lo mangiavi tu nevvero??
Fratello Rowlands, quante volte ho scrollato il capoccione in segno di approvazione, leggendoti, abbiamo viaggiato assieme per un pezzo di strada, anche se io non avevo un lupo che insegnasse, ma cani si, sotto i 35 chili e sempre rigorosamente bastardi figli di canili o salvati da morte certa come la levriera che abbiamo ora.
Anche il vegetarianesimo é arrivato a poco a poco, da loro, avendomi fatto comprendere il grado di dissociazione a cui noi primati possiamo arrivare: amiamo gli animali, oh quanto li amiamo! al punto tale da rimuovere completamente il fatto che quelli che finiscono in padella in tutti i modi possibili hanno fatto una vita di sofferenza immane e una morte orrenda per arrivare nello stomaco di chi ancora li mangia. Per non parlare del fatto che nessuno sa e tanto meno vuole sapere dove sono i macelli e tantomeno anche sapendo dove sono ci entrerebbe. (Come Coetzee scrive e fa dire alla sua Elisabeth Costello: non era così anche per i campi di concentramento? Ma Coetzee va oltre e a Elisabeth, una vecchia signora, fa dire che noi agli animali riusciamo a fare ancora di peggio: li alleviamo in campi di concentramento, li facciamo riprodurre in modo non-dicibile, e li uccidiamo in modi ancora più indicibili, e questo in una catena degli orrori che non ha mai fine. Leggetelo: La vita degli animali, Coetzee, premio Nobel)
E poi complotti e inganni in cui prim-eggiamo, creare debolezza negli altri per avere il potere,
ritirarsi dal mondo perché non se ne può più del solito andazzo scimmiesco.
Questo é un libro che con me sfonda porte spalancate, mentre invece andrebbe letto da coloro che le porte le hanno ancora sprangate, ma per leggere un libro così dovrebbero averle quantomeno solo accostate. E' il paradosso dei libri di questo tipo, chi ne avrebbe un gran bisogno non li leggerà mai, chi già é arrivato lì, a parte trovare un compagno di viaggio e pensare: ahhhhhhh! finalmente! si, si, é proprio così!! (faccenda che come dice DFWallace ti capita qualche volta nella vita quando leggi qualcosa, ma quando succede il risultato é che ti senti decisamente meno solo al mondo, almeno un altro la vede, la sente, la pensa come te, e per quanto mi riguarda la scrive anche meglio di quanto potrei fare io in 100 vite, e questo, questo dovrebbe essere lo scopo di un buon libro ben scritto, che sia romanzo, saggio, racconto), bhé, potrebbe anche non leggerlo.
Ah, e poi fratello Rowlands, per finire vorrei dirti che il cioccolato ai cani non si dà, una tavoletta di cioccolato amaro può uccidere un cane di 30 chili, quindi non ho mica capito come hai fatto per quasi un anno o giù di lì a comprare brioches au chocolat e spartirle con i tre 4zampe, mi immagino che lo chocolat te lo mangiavi tu nevvero??
April 22, 2013
I enjoyed the memoir and the critique of the apes. The chapter on deception was interesting. Brenin was an amazing creature, and there were times that Rowlands had me wanting to be just like a wolf. Rowlands' definition on what "ape" really is:
"The 'ape' is the tendency to understand the world in instrumental terms: the value of everything is a function of what it can do for the ape. The ape is the tendency to see life as a process of gauging probabilities and computing possibilities, and using the results of these computations in its favour. It is the see the world as a collection of resources; things to be used for its purposes [...] The ape is the tendency to think that the most important things in life are a matter of cost-benefit analysis."
I disagree with this definition, for it forgoes the fundamentally innate attribute of empathy inherent in all apes, and most pronounced in Humans and Bonobos [See Frans De Waal's works]. I do agree that humans, in particular, with their capitalistic tendencies have made life an unfortunate exercise in cost-benefit analysis.
"The 'ape' is the tendency to understand the world in instrumental terms: the value of everything is a function of what it can do for the ape. The ape is the tendency to see life as a process of gauging probabilities and computing possibilities, and using the results of these computations in its favour. It is the see the world as a collection of resources; things to be used for its purposes [...] The ape is the tendency to think that the most important things in life are a matter of cost-benefit analysis."
I disagree with this definition, for it forgoes the fundamentally innate attribute of empathy inherent in all apes, and most pronounced in Humans and Bonobos [See Frans De Waal's works]. I do agree that humans, in particular, with their capitalistic tendencies have made life an unfortunate exercise in cost-benefit analysis.
August 12, 2016
When I was a freshman at Brown, I majored in philosophy. When I was a sophomore, I escaped from school to the Maine wilderness. Philosophy was just so much yammering and wild speculation. I never wanted to read it again. When I moved back to civilization and returned to college, I made sure I selected courses that relied on data, not twisting words onto words with no proof. I ended up getting a doctorate in Linguistics--which actually had its origins in philosophy, but was data driven at Brown.
I bought this book because of the wolf. Surprisingly, I found myself entranced by Rowland's passages on philosophy. Not only does Rowland write clearly, he philosophizes only about matters pertaining to his wolf and their connection. No empty yammering here, but thought provoking questions and insights, matched to vividly written passages of Brenin's life.
The narrative flows. I read it in one winter day and loved every minute of it. Highly recommended.
I bought this book because of the wolf. Surprisingly, I found myself entranced by Rowland's passages on philosophy. Not only does Rowland write clearly, he philosophizes only about matters pertaining to his wolf and their connection. No empty yammering here, but thought provoking questions and insights, matched to vividly written passages of Brenin's life.
The narrative flows. I read it in one winter day and loved every minute of it. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2019
Η ζωή περνά μέσα από ένα πλαίσιο και σε όλα κάτι μας μαθαίνει.
Κι αν αυτό μας κάνει ανθρώπους ή λύκους, δεν είναι παρά ορισμένες στιγμές.
Σεβαστή η θέση του συγγραφέα και η προσέγγισή του, απλώς οι πληροφορίες που ξεπερνούν το όποιο όριο ίσως είναι για άλλη μορφής ανάγνωση.
Κι αν αυτό μας κάνει ανθρώπους ή λύκους, δεν είναι παρά ορισμένες στιγμές.
Σεβαστή η θέση του συγγραφέα και η προσέγγισή του, απλώς οι πληροφορίες που ξεπερνούν το όποιο όριο ίσως είναι για άλλη μορφής ανάγνωση.
November 26, 2014
Muy recomendable (y lacrimógeno) ensayo autobiográfico. Reseña completa:
http://www.libros-prohibidos.com/mark...
http://www.libros-prohibidos.com/mark...
August 5, 2022
Worth the rereading !
July 20, 2017
Philosophy has a way of immolating the visceral ways in which we connect. In this book, Mark Rowlands brings to life the interconnection between two beings, and traces their journey together with philosophically-inspired food for thought. Very much worth the read.
February 8, 2018
"Ήμουν κομμάτια.Εκείνες οι στιγμές,όμως,ήταν από τις πιο σημαντικές στη ζωή μου.Η καλύτερή μας πλευρά εκδηλώνεται όταν δεν υπάρχει πλέον κανένας λόγος να συνεχίσουμε αυτό που κάνουμε.Όταν δεν υπάρχει πλέον ελπίδα.Ζούμε τις καλύτερες στιγμές μας όταν ο θάνατος σκύβει από πάνω μας και δε μπορούμε να κάνουμε τίποτα για ν' ανατρέψουμε την κατάσταση.Θα πεθάνω,αλλά αυτή τη στιγμή είμαι καλά και αισθάνομαι δυνατός.Και θα κάνω ό,τι θέλω.Αυτή η στιγμή είναι πλήρης καθ' εαυτή και δε χρειάζεται να δικαιολογήσει την ύπαρξή της με βάση κάποιες άλλες στιγμές του παρελθόντος ή του μέλλοντος.Οτιδήποτε κι αν έχουμε,θα μας το πάρει ο χρόνος.Το μόνο που δε θα μας πάρει είναι αυτό που είμαστε στις καλύτερές μας στιγμές."
Τρυφερό,απολαυστικό,εξαιρετικό..σελίδες που αναβλύζουν ευκαιρία ανοίγματος νοητικών οριζόντων και σου ζεσταίνουν την καρδιά θολώνοντάς σου το οπτικό πεδίο των ματιών...
Τρυφερό,απολαυστικό,εξαιρετικό..σελίδες που αναβλύζουν ευκαιρία ανοίγματος νοητικών οριζόντων και σου ζεσταίνουν την καρδιά θολώνοντάς σου το οπτικό πεδίο των ματιών...
September 26, 2022
Ploroooo
April 18, 2010
Rowlands lays out early on the difficulties of writing the book, the time it took and a strangeness of memory that was involved. Also, that he isn't sure how the writing came together, how issues, metaphors and ideas folded into each other across chapters, how "Life rarely allows itself to be dealt with and put to bed." It's actually Rowlands' writing exercise and attempt to think about himself that I find the more interesting aspect of the book.
He is a successful professional philosopher, former boxer, former highly functioning alcoholic, athlete and professional misanthrope during the period the book covers (although in the foreign present from which it is written, as he awaits within hours the birth of his first child, none of this seems true). His thrust into the meaning of life, happiness, and animal rights is as much conceptually inspired as by the 'learning' he withdrew into with his wolf, Brenin and later two girl dogs who joined them. Nietzsche and Heidegger are hot on the list of references during frequent moments of reflection. He is not very good, seems to lack a sense of the poetic, in evoking the time with the wolf and what he learned, It is almost as if his misanthropic base (largely, I suspect, textured by philosophical influences flowing with a proclivity to be unsociable) is projected on the relationship with the wolf. His 'vision' is totalitarian in its dismissal of the humdrum lives of his contemporary fellows who, like him, are mere calculating apes who never experience the moment (like a wolf) but are forever seeking selfish advancement and power, who are, in essence, deceitful and to varying degrees skilled liars.
There are many passages one could extract which are attractive and certainly food for thought. Yet we must consider while chewing over such titbits that philosophical speculation, howsoever so unadvanced or advanced in its cerebral meanderings, is as much as anything exemplary of the simian tendency to prefer speculation to wolfishness.
Having been quite dismissive so far (being a clever ape), I'd end by emphasising that I found the book engaging, if an engagement not informed by the purposes for which it is written. Rowlands, like some modern Sisyphus, seems unaware that he has been treated with tendernes by a kind god so that he enjoys his trajectory, and is unaware even as he pours scorn on temporality and 'having' and calculating (arguing) how much he is caught in them like us, both existentially and ideologically. It would be good to know if his own Nietzschian test for the healthy, growing soul on the question of eternal return would have him point to his present happiness (and long may it continue for him) or the savage , authentic pain of the wolf in him which is the authentic, honest life against which all else is a delusional shimmer. Oh, I digress!
He is a successful professional philosopher, former boxer, former highly functioning alcoholic, athlete and professional misanthrope during the period the book covers (although in the foreign present from which it is written, as he awaits within hours the birth of his first child, none of this seems true). His thrust into the meaning of life, happiness, and animal rights is as much conceptually inspired as by the 'learning' he withdrew into with his wolf, Brenin and later two girl dogs who joined them. Nietzsche and Heidegger are hot on the list of references during frequent moments of reflection. He is not very good, seems to lack a sense of the poetic, in evoking the time with the wolf and what he learned, It is almost as if his misanthropic base (largely, I suspect, textured by philosophical influences flowing with a proclivity to be unsociable) is projected on the relationship with the wolf. His 'vision' is totalitarian in its dismissal of the humdrum lives of his contemporary fellows who, like him, are mere calculating apes who never experience the moment (like a wolf) but are forever seeking selfish advancement and power, who are, in essence, deceitful and to varying degrees skilled liars.
There are many passages one could extract which are attractive and certainly food for thought. Yet we must consider while chewing over such titbits that philosophical speculation, howsoever so unadvanced or advanced in its cerebral meanderings, is as much as anything exemplary of the simian tendency to prefer speculation to wolfishness.
Having been quite dismissive so far (being a clever ape), I'd end by emphasising that I found the book engaging, if an engagement not informed by the purposes for which it is written. Rowlands, like some modern Sisyphus, seems unaware that he has been treated with tendernes by a kind god so that he enjoys his trajectory, and is unaware even as he pours scorn on temporality and 'having' and calculating (arguing) how much he is caught in them like us, both existentially and ideologically. It would be good to know if his own Nietzschian test for the healthy, growing soul on the question of eternal return would have him point to his present happiness (and long may it continue for him) or the savage , authentic pain of the wolf in him which is the authentic, honest life against which all else is a delusional shimmer. Oh, I digress!
September 3, 2011
I was first attracted to this book by the name of the book and the picture on the front of the book. The author suggests that the picture on the front might be an effort to mimic a classic painting entitled "Lone Wolf". This painting is of a wolf on a mountain looking down at the light shining in a domain below. The longing of the outsider to come inside and visit. Would this outsider ever stay? Would the wolf be able to fit into the life of a philosopher?
The author of this book describes himself as a professional philosopher. Heidegger, Nietzsche, Husserl, Camus are among some of the philosopher's mentioned in the author's wandering insights. I kept wondering as I read the book if perhaps I might be stirred to read more of some of these philosophers again. There are certainly interesting points to ponder in philosophic ideas.
The myth of Sisyphus was used by Albert Camus in some of his writings about human life. Mark Rowlands spends many pages exploring this myth in detail and reflecting on possible interpretations as relates to the value of life's many pursuits especially with regard to death. And this reflection comes as he is considering the death of his "wolf brother". As in most stories about a beloved pet, the book starts with the infancy of the wolf and follows until his death. In spite of the heady aspects of this book there was also a good deal of sentiment.
The mix of philosophy and the tale of one man's life with his very unique pet wolf was an interesting one. It was an exercise in going from the animal world to the world of the mind, back and forth, over and over. There were some very visceral descriptions of animal life in the book and there were also long considerations of how animals compare to humans.
I would like to write more about this book and may find the time to do so soon.
The author of this book describes himself as a professional philosopher. Heidegger, Nietzsche, Husserl, Camus are among some of the philosopher's mentioned in the author's wandering insights. I kept wondering as I read the book if perhaps I might be stirred to read more of some of these philosophers again. There are certainly interesting points to ponder in philosophic ideas.
The myth of Sisyphus was used by Albert Camus in some of his writings about human life. Mark Rowlands spends many pages exploring this myth in detail and reflecting on possible interpretations as relates to the value of life's many pursuits especially with regard to death. And this reflection comes as he is considering the death of his "wolf brother". As in most stories about a beloved pet, the book starts with the infancy of the wolf and follows until his death. In spite of the heady aspects of this book there was also a good deal of sentiment.
The mix of philosophy and the tale of one man's life with his very unique pet wolf was an interesting one. It was an exercise in going from the animal world to the world of the mind, back and forth, over and over. There were some very visceral descriptions of animal life in the book and there were also long considerations of how animals compare to humans.
I would like to write more about this book and may find the time to do so soon.
April 29, 2010
Mark Rowlands, a professor of philosophy, writes both about the eleven or twelve years of his life, from the time he brought home a wolf cub whom he named Brenin until the latter's death. (During that time he also acquired two more dogs: Anna and Tess.)They lived in the USA, Great Britain, and France. Rowlands adored the animals and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their lives.
Rowlands also weaves his philosophical views into the story. He writes about the nature of intelligence, about what distinguishes Man (and apes) from other animals, (a rather pessimistic view in my opinion!). He writes about the meaning of life, death and about time. Some of his writing I found meaningful, while at other times I skimmed over his philosophizing!
Among the ideas that will remain with me from this book (and there are several) is the following: (p46) "the most important way of remembering someone is by being the person they made us . . . and living the life they have helped shape." In this way "we honour them."
I was eager to read this book after reading rave reviews on it. Although I found some of Rowland's theorizing just too much for me, I'm glad I read the book. I loved the animals and certainly appreciated some, though not all, of the author's views.
Rowlands also weaves his philosophical views into the story. He writes about the nature of intelligence, about what distinguishes Man (and apes) from other animals, (a rather pessimistic view in my opinion!). He writes about the meaning of life, death and about time. Some of his writing I found meaningful, while at other times I skimmed over his philosophizing!
Among the ideas that will remain with me from this book (and there are several) is the following: (p46) "the most important way of remembering someone is by being the person they made us . . . and living the life they have helped shape." In this way "we honour them."
I was eager to read this book after reading rave reviews on it. Although I found some of Rowland's theorizing just too much for me, I'm glad I read the book. I loved the animals and certainly appreciated some, though not all, of the author's views.
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