The Human Side of Animals

"The Human Side of Animals" by Royal Dixon is a book that looks at the feelings and smarts of animals, pushing back on the old idea that they just act on instinct. Using stories and observations, Dixon shines a light on how animals and humans are alike, showing that animals have deep inner lives. He begins by asking readers to change how they see animals, suggesting they can feel love, sadness, and are intelligent, just like us. Dixon uses a thoughtful and questioning approach to make readers think about the emotional and intellectual abilities of different animals, challenging the common scientific belief that animals only act on instinct. The book starts by talking about camouflage, showing how animals have amazingly adapted to blend in with their surroundings, which helps them stay safe from predators and hunt for food, highlighting their complex connection with nature.