W.W. Norton
Animal lovers will not be surprised by primatologist Frans de Waal's conclusions in this book: morality is developed from the bottom up, not bequeathed from the heavens. That is to say one does not need religion (or laws) to tell humans (and other mammals) to do good. Empathy and altruism are developed in animals who understand the benefits of living within a group. The examples de Waal gives involve not only primates but also birds, elephants, dogs and dolphins. Grace, an African elephant, tries to lift another elephant that collapses. When the elephant eventually dies, Grace vocalises deep distress. An awareness of the importance of friendships and family, in primates at least, lead animals to reconcile after tiffs, de Waal adds, which see them trying to stay on good terms with those on whom they depend. Observation and research bolster de Waal's conclusion about the emotions of animals, which often defy scientific categorisations. This should be required reading for those tired of debates about atheism that centre on the (non)existence of God.
