The Benefits of Recognizing Wild Neighbors as Sentient Beings

In his book „Meet the Neighbors: Animal Minds and Life in a More-than-Human World,“ Brandon Keim delves into the fascinating world of animal personhood and the importance of recognizing nonhuman animals as intelligent and sentient beings. Keim’s exploration of this topic sheds light on the significance of understanding animals as our neighbors and the impact it can have on fostering coexistence and a kinder planet.

Keim’s inspiration for writing this book stemmed from his love for nature and animals. He was particularly intrigued by research on animal intelligence, which led him to delve deeper into the concept of animals as fellow persons. Through his book, Keim aims to reach a wide audience, including animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, encouraging them to think differently about wild animals and their place in the world.

The book covers a range of topics, from the science of animal intelligence to the history of how humans have perceived the minds of other animals. Keim brings the research to life by mapping it onto the nonhuman residents of a suburban neighborhood, showcasing the diverse forms of animal intelligence that exist in the world around us. He also delves into ideas such as the Nonhuman Rights Project’s advocacy for legal personhood for chimpanzees and elephants, highlighting the importance of giving animals a voice in society.

Moving beyond urban and suburban settings, Keim explores the wild places and their inhabitants, sharing stories of individuals striving to bring new perspectives to wildlife management and conservation efforts. By portraying animal characters as richly as the humans in his stories, Keim offers a fresh and engaging perspective on our relationships with wild animals and nature.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of seeing nature and wild animals in a new light, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the world around us. Keim’s hope is that as people learn more about their nonhuman neighbors and recognize them as fellow persons, they will be more willing to coexist peacefully and protect the biodiversity that sustains our shared home.

In a world where the boundaries between humans and nature are becoming increasingly blurred, Keim’s book serves as a guide to rewilding ourselves, taking sentience seriously, and cultivating a more intimate relationship with the living world. By embracing animals as kin and nurturing a sense of love and care for all creatures, we can work towards a future where humans and nonhuman animals thrive together in harmony.