The Daily The Sunday Read: ‘Why We Take Animal Voyages’
Oct 30, 2022
Sam Anderson takes listeners on a poignant journey into the world of animal voyages. He reflects on how these experiences foster deep connections between humans and animals, exploring the loss of intimacy in urban life. Personal anecdotes and historical context illustrate the profound longing for genuine interaction with nature. The narrative raises thought-provoking questions about existence and the emotional richness that can be found through these unique relationships, reminding us how much we can learn from our animal companions.
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Walnut's Presence
- Sam Anderson describes his dachshund Walnut's constant presence and how he sometimes overlooks him.
- This highlights humans' tendency to become desensitized to their surroundings, even beloved pets.
Lost Intimacy with Animals
- John Berger argues that despite animals' ubiquity in modern life, humans have lost meaningful connection with them.
- He contrasts this with our historical intimacy, where animals were central to our world, serving as companions, teachers, and symbols.
Purpose of Animal Voyages
- We embark on animal voyages to reconnect with the natural world and the creatures we've distanced ourselves from.
- This is a mystical pursuit, seeking to locate ourselves accurately within the universe, not through human-centric fantasies.
