Reason with Science cover image

Reason with Science

The artistic ape with Desmond Morris

Sep 19, 2021
Renowned 93-year-old zoologist, Desmond Morris, discusses his early life, zoology, surrealism, writing 'The Naked Ape', human tribalism, gender roles, and secrets to long life. Topics include art vs. science, urban tribes, overpopulation impact, gender roles, artistic brain, longevity, behavior complexity, and effects of being solitary.
01:26:24

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Desmond Morris rebelled against violence in his youth by embracing surrealism and zoology, shaping his lifelong passions.
  • Scientists and artists share the commonality of exploration through different mental processes, with analysis for scientists and intuition for artists.

Deep dives

Life during World War II

Growing up during World War II as a teenager, Despond Morris rebelled against the madness of adults consumed by violence and murder. Rather than engaging in destructive rebellion, Morris turned to surrealism and zoology as positive forms of escape. These interests sparked during his school years, leading him down a path of artistic expression and zoological study that remained with him from a young age to his current 93 years.

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