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A review by rapid
Animals In Translation: Using The Mysteries Of Autism To Decode Animal Behaviour by Temple Grandin
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
Dr. Grandin is famous for her work both in autism advocacy and farm animal management (her most well known invention being the “squeeze machine”).
As I am not an expert in either, I cannot speak to the veracity of everything in this book. It’s approaching the 20th anniversary of its publishing, and no doubt some things have changed.
But, speaking from the experience of one reading it—Dr. Grandin offers stunning insights into the multitude of ways it is possible to perceive a world we all share. Her understanding of animals feels meticulously constructed from the ground off, skillfully evading easy heuristics like anthromorphizing or subscribing lower intelligence and irrationality to beings that act differently than we expect them to.
To me, the emotional core of Animals in Translation is the necessity of treating all beings with respect. Speaking about animals from the perspective of an autistic person, Grandin speaks about two populations that have historically been subject to deep misunderstanding and oppression. Through her insights, she shows ways that we can continue to respect their autonomy, and relate to difference with dignity.
As I am not an expert in either, I cannot speak to the veracity of everything in this book. It’s approaching the 20th anniversary of its publishing, and no doubt some things have changed.
But, speaking from the experience of one reading it—Dr. Grandin offers stunning insights into the multitude of ways it is possible to perceive a world we all share. Her understanding of animals feels meticulously constructed from the ground off, skillfully evading easy heuristics like anthromorphizing or subscribing lower intelligence and irrationality to beings that act differently than we expect them to.
To me, the emotional core of Animals in Translation is the necessity of treating all beings with respect. Speaking about animals from the perspective of an autistic person, Grandin speaks about two populations that have historically been subject to deep misunderstanding and oppression. Through her insights, she shows ways that we can continue to respect their autonomy, and relate to difference with dignity.