Enjoying our wonderful oceans? As air-breathing land-dwellers, it can be easy to think of ourselves as being one of the few “consciously-aware” creatures in the world. However, the oceans have been here far, far longer than human kind and all
Enjoying our wonderful oceans? As air-breathing land-dwellers, it can be easy to think of ourselves as being one of the few “consciously-aware” creatures in the world.
However, the oceans have been here far, far longer than human kind and all other earthbound animals. In these ancient waters are thousands upon thousands of animals which have been experiencing life for untold generations. Recently, science has been coming to the conclusion that some of our water-dwelling brethren may be as “aware” as we are—that they can reason, think, and feel similarly to how we do.
No, we’re not talking about dolphins (although they are pretty smart, too). Try “octopus”, instead!
While these are being to which most of us may know little about other than being used in poke or sushi rolls, these eight-legged master contortionists have revealed to the world their striking caliber of intelligence — and differences of personality depending on their regional locale.
“The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness,” by Sy Montgomery has become an unexpected bestseller in our bookstore—being bought by a wide variety of customers of all backgrounds. We understand why!
“Soul of an Octopus” entertainingly and humorously challenges our perceptions of what we think we know about life — what quantifies “awareness.”
Sy Montgomery takes us on a journey of her experiences with octopuses and conversations with scientists that culminated in this enlightening book, from her first time feeling the suckers of an octopus on her skin to coming to understand the problem-solving abilities of an octopus as it finds ways to move past many impediments.
Life is beautiful, in all its many forms, and “Soul of an Octopus” might get you to look at the rest of the beings you share this world with in a whole new way! Enjoy!
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Ed and Cynthia Justus are owners of The Bookstore in Hanapepe.
