The Ape And The Sushi Master: Cultural Reflections Of A Primatologist Paperback – December 27, 2001

great item!

The author continues to look at evolution and the overlapping of different species, including ours. He looks at how difficult it is to differentiate between nature and nurture, how it's not always important to do so, and how too many people switch definitions when defining human and non-human behavior. It's his usually well written, mass market explanation of evolution and behavior.The book is a bit overlong, the only reason it lost one star.

Published in 2001, this can be considered a prequel to the author's 2016 Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? There are some of the same stories and same research articles (with updates in the later book). They both have the same underlying theme: humans and other animals have more in common than most people realize. Much that is special to humans occurs in different (sometimes, but not always, simpler) form in non-humans. Animals are not imperfect humans but creatures that have what it takes to survive and reproduce in their own environments.Here the focus is "culture" defined broadly: "the transmission of habits and information by social means" (p. 177) (rather than happening independently or as a matter of "instinct"), or something humans consider cultural, like art or music--or both. For example, some birds have a predilection to learn songs specific to their species. But because the songs are learned, there are "dialects", different variations in different areas. Of course, there has to be some kind of smarts for a creature to learn.A lot of fascinating stuff here. De Waal's grew up speaking Dutch but he writes better than 99.99% of native English speakers.

Frans de Waal has taken the lead position in the swelling ranks of researchers clarifying the picture of humanity's place in nature. Combining his own and others' study of the great apes, he presents us a vivid survey of primate behaviour. His roots and experience are combined in this fascinating account. His Dutch background, American academic position, and keen observing powers have led him to redefine our view of our primate relatives. His critical insights are matched by his prose skills in presenting them, making this informative work a pleasure to read. There is much to be learned from de Waal. He removes any remaining doubt that we are at one with our fellow creatures.De Waal challenges the dominant view among Western researchers that animal studies must be done from a detached view. He stresses the distinction between "anthropocentrism" and "anthropomorphism." The former sharply divides humans from the remainder of the animal kingdom, holding "culture" as a unique human artefact. The second, properly applied, enables us to view all the animal kingdom in a broader scale. De Waal cites the long history of Japanese primate research and more recent Western efforts as examples of the difference. The Eastern world integrates animals within its cultures while the Western view is humanity has been given "dominion" over them. In a practical sense, this outlook gave the Japanese a head start in primate research. They consider each individual in chimpanzee troops, where Westerners only perceive the group as an entity.As de Waal escorts us through the last half-century of primate research, he assess the contributions of each of the major figures in the field. Lorenz, Tinbergen, Desmond Morris from the West are contrasted with their Eastern counterparts. Of particular importance is Japan's Imanishi Kinji a towering figure in primatology, almost unknown here. Imanishi's outlook was a near refutation of Darwin's natural selection. Imanishi rejected the idea that animal behaviour is genetically driven and began the redefinition of "culture" based on his studies of primates. With "culture's" many restraints cast away, Japanese researchers could perceive behaviour little noted in the West.Some of de Waal's examples are breathtaking. Animal art occupies a chapter, dominated by examples of chimpanzee attitudes while they work. Dedicated attention, care in application and possessive attitudes lead to paintings equal to Pollock's and applauded by Picasso. Pigeons turn away from Schoenberg [and who can blame them] in favour of Bach. From the obverse angle, the number of human composers who have relied on birds and other animals for inspiration range from Mozart down. The message is clear: "culture" is an aspect of the entire animal kingdom. We are but a part of a universal condition.It's de Waal's message about animal learning that tumbles the final barricade between humans and their kin. The title of this book is derived from apprentice sushi chefs spending years merely observing a master until they can demonstrate their own abilities. In a similar manner, our ape cousins learn by watching and imitating. The young may be better at learning than the old. One community may develop new habits unseen elsewhere. Later practitioners may add improvements to style and technique. Learning, however, is not limited to "wise man." It's a trait that may be applied to any species with sufficient intellect and dexterity to demonstrate it.De Waal's presentation challenges the entire scholarship of thinking about evolution. He will not accept the "traditional" view of human uniqueness in culture or learning capacity. Nor does he accept the more recent "selfish gene" thesis of innate adaptation traits. His balanced view will force many to rethink their ideas to arrive at a new synthesis of human and animal behaviour patterns. The book is a clear assertion that much research remains to be undertaken in improving our understanding of where evolution has led us. A provocative, thought stimulating book, yet highly readable, makes this effort worthy of the accolades it has received.

My daughter is a primate keeper at a popular resort in Florida. She had this on her wish list. Bought it for her as a gift. She said she enjoyed it.

I love this author. He is so intelligent, experienced and clear. He applies his anthropological experience and knowledge and comes up with insights which could knock your socks off. Anything he writes is worth reading.