The Inner Life of Animals: Surprising Observations of a Hidden World

Wohlleben takes as his starting point the idea that a proper starting point for the examination of the emotional life animals is to assume that there is no major qualitative break between the human species and others. Rather than assuming animals have no emotions unless they can be objectively tested and verified, we should see their apparent pain, grief, happiness and so on as just that. Anthropomorphism is a virtue, not a sin. This is no longer a fringe view - for example, anthropologist Frans de Waal has argued similarly in his recent work - and at the very least, deserves serious consideration.So after enjoying the author's companion volume, "The Secret Network of Nature", I was looking forward to this. The contrast was instructive. Where "The Network" used peer reviewed science as its basis, and anecdote to provide colour, ""The Inner Life" does the opposite. We hear a great deal about Wohlleben menagerie - his goats, ponies, dogs and so on - and observations of these form the basis of many of the chapters. Scientific references are present - and generally of high quality - but they are decidedly secondary. At the same time, the book seemed to be loosely structured - a mixed bag of selected emotions or senses rather than a logical progression through phylogenies, genetics, behaviour or biochemistry. Interesting though some of the questions he raised might be, I was disappointed to find no systematic discussion of them, even though we have some exemplary research that does just that (Cheney and Seyfarth's "Baboon Metaphysics" comes to mind).By the end of the book, I was left feeling I'd spent an evening at the Wohlleben family home, listening to stories about their pets. Pleasant enough, but not really illuminating.

I bought this because I'd really enjoyed The Hidden Life of Trees. This didn't disappoint. If you are looking for a serious, scholarly read, this has both the serious and the scholarly but is a nice, easy read that entertains and enlightens. I admit to a certain confirmation bias; he talks about what I have already observed and appreciated, but it's a book that gave me a few hours of enjoyment as well as information.

Do not like the writing style and despite three attempts have not managed to get further than chapter two. Disappointing considering reviews.

Yes a brilliant book with such interesting insights...some rather assumed conclusions without strong scientific evidence but a great read

The insight of the author is amazing and it's easy reading (and understanding) for everybody interested in the subject.