The Gray Area with Sean Illing The meat we eat affects us all
Oct 2, 2020
Ezra Klein, host of the Ezra Klein Show, joins neuroscientist Lori Marino, known for her work on animal intelligence and welfare. They delve into how our consumption of meat impacts public health, climate, and ethics. The conversation highlights the urgent need for alternatives to meat, given the links to pandemics and zoonotic diseases. They challenge perceptions around pets versus farm animals, revealing the complex intelligence of pigs and chickens. Ultimately, they advocate for rethinking our dietary choices through a compassionate lens.
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The Pig and the Puppy
- Lori Marino describes a sow in a crate, unable to turn around, developing sores.
- Her piglet's tail is cut off without painkillers, highlighting the harsh realities of factory farming.
Pig Intelligence
- Pigs possess surprising intelligence, understanding simple language and employing tactical deception.
- They even demonstrate theory of mind, a cognitive ability often compared to that of young children.
Pigs vs. Toddlers
- In a BBC experiment, a pig outperformed toddlers in a goal-scoring task, demonstrating advanced cognitive skills.
- Pigs can even play video games, further showcasing their intelligence and adaptability.
