Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good

 

 

Pleasurable Kingdom, by Jonathan Balcombe, presents new evidence that animals--like humans--enjoy themselves. From birds to baboons, insects to iguanas, animals feel good thanks to play, sex, touch, food, anticipation, comfort, aesthetics, and more. Combining rigorous evidence, elegant argument and amusing anecdotes, leading animal behavior researcher Jonathan Balcombe shows that the possibility of positive feelings in creatures other than humans has important ethical ramifications for both science and society.

 

Second Nature: The Inner Lives of Animals

Animal behavior expert Jonathan Balcombe makes the case that animals, once viewed only as mindless automatons, actually have rich sensory experiences and emotional complexity. Drawing on research, observational studies, and personal anecdotes to reveal the full spectrum of animal experience, Balcombe paints a picture of the inner lives of animals that diverges from the “fight or die” image often presented in the popular media. He challenges traditional views of animals and makes the case for why the human-animal relationship needs a complete overhaul.

Dogs recognize unfairness and rats practice random acts of kindness. Chimpanzees can trounce humans in short-term memory games. Fishes distinguish good guys from cheaters, and birds are susceptible to mood swings such as depression and optimism. With vivid stories and entertaining anecdotes, Balcombe opens the door into the inner lives of the animals themselves.