In "Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?", renowned primatologist Frans de Waal challenges our understanding of animal intelligence, urging readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about cognition across species. With a 3.97/5 rating from over 15,953 readers, this 275-page book blends scientific rigor with engaging storytelling, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying them.
Breaking Down Human Exceptionalism
De Waal dismantles the idea that humans sit atop a linear intelligence hierarchy, instead presenting cognition as a "bush" with countless evolutionary branches. He argues that many perceived gaps between human and animal intelligence stem from flawed testing methods—like judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
Readers consistently praise how the book:
- Exposes biases in traditional animal cognition research
- Highlights breakthrough studies on octopuses, crows, and primates
- Uses humor and relatable anecdotes to illustrate concepts
Science Made Engaging
What sets this book apart is de Waal's ability to make ethology (animal behavior study) genuinely exciting. He transforms what could be dry academic discourse into a series of "aha moments," particularly when describing:
- Chimpanzees outperforming humans in memory tests
- Birds crafting tools with human-like precision
- Elephants recognizing themselves in mirrors
The author's decades of primate research lend authority, while his critique of "behaviorism" (reducing animals to stimulus-response machines) resonates strongly with reviewers who appreciate the more nuanced approach.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
Perfect for:
- Science enthusiasts seeking accessible but substantive reads
- Animal lovers curious about cognition beyond anecdotes
- Educators looking to challenge student assumptions about intelligence
While some note the middle sections delve deeper into methodology than casual readers might prefer, most agree the payoff—a transformed perspective on our relationship with other species—makes the effort worthwhile.
The Verdict: A Mind-Expanding Read
De Waal succeeds brilliantly in his central thesis: the question isn't "how smart are animals?" but "how can we measure their smarts fairly?" By book's end, you'll see the animal world—from the family dog to zoo apes—with fresh, more respectful eyes.
For anyone ready to have their anthropocentric views challenged, this book offers a compelling, often delightful journey. As one reviewer put it: "You'll never look at a crow the same way again."
Ready to rethink animal intelligence? Find "Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?" on Amazon.
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