Join philosopher John Gray, author of "Feline Philosophy: Cats and the Meaning of Life," and novelist Will Self, a vocal advocate for dogs, as they dive into the age-old debate of cats versus dogs. The discussion blends personal anecdotes with philosophical musings, shedding light on the emotional bonds we form with our furry friends. Gray argues for the mysterious allure of cats, while Self champions the loyalty of dogs, sparking a lively exploration of what these pets reveal about us as humans.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Dog's Name Origin
Will Self named his dog Maglorian after a centaur in the Harry Potter series.
His third son chose the name.
insights INSIGHT
Human-Dog Symbiosis
Dogs and humans share a symbiotic relationship, having adapted to each other over time.
This genetic intertwining makes the human-dog bond unique.
insights INSIGHT
Cats' Independent Choice
Cats, unlike dogs, chose to live with humans for their own reasons.
Their DNA remains largely unchanged, preserving their distinct nature.
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Caroline Paul's 'Lost Cat' is a heartfelt and humorous memoir about her cat Tibia's disappearance and subsequent return. The book follows Caroline and her partner Wendy MacNaughton as they use various methods to uncover Tibia's secret life. It explores themes of love, obsession, and the bond between humans and pets.
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In 'The Silence of Animals', John Gray continues his critique of modern myths, arguing that humans are not rational beings but rather animals who create fictions to avoid acknowledging their true nature. Drawing on various literary and philosophical sources, Gray explores how humans decorate their existence with myths and how these fictions can lead to chaos and disillusionment. The book is a sequel to his earlier work, 'Straw Dogs', and offers a profound reflection on the human condition.
Will
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In 'Will', Will Smith opens up about his life, sharing anecdotes from his early days in West Philadelphia, his rise in the music industry as part of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and his subsequent success in Hollywood. The book delves into his complex relationship with his father, the impact of his family on his life, and his journey to align outer success with inner happiness and human connection. Written with the help of Mark Manson, the book offers a blend of vulnerability, humor, and life lessons that reflect Will Smith's trademark style and larger-than-life personality.
Feline Philosophy
Cats and the Meaning of Life
John Gray
Straw Dogs
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A philosophical work challenging conventional wisdom about human nature, morality, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
It’s the issue that’s more polarising than politics. The world is full of animal lovers but we can’t agree on which pet is more worthy of our love – the loyal, obedient dog, or the inscrutable, capricious cat. In this episode philosopher John Gray goes up against writer Will Self to debate the age old question of which animal is superior. The debate was chaired by writer, academic and broadcaster Shahidha Bari.
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