What will I learn about: how appreciating the beauty of wild animals shifts conservation from a forced moral obligation into a natural, deeply rewarding inclination?

Discover how appreciating the beauty of wild animals shifts conservation from a forced moral obligation into a natural, deeply rewarding inclination.

What will I learn about: the concept of "species loneliness" and how modern human isolation is largely driven by our increasing alienation from non-human life?

Understand the concept of "species loneliness" and how modern human isolation is largely driven by our increasing alienation from non-human life.

What will I learn about: Learn about the "ecozoic epoch," a hopeful alternative future where humans combine modern technology with deep spirituality to foster mutually beneficial relationships with nature?

Learn about the "ecozoic epoch," a hopeful alternative future where humans combine modern technology with deep spirituality to foster mutually beneficial relationships with nature.

What will I learn about: Recognize why anthropomorphizing animals is a double-edged sword that can hide their unique traits, while acknowledging our shared emotions is vital to preventing cruelty?

Recognize why anthropomorphizing animals is a double-edged sword that can hide their unique traits, while acknowledging our shared emotions is vital to preventing cruelty.

What will I learn about: Cultivate profound empathy for non-human life to replace feelings of human superiority, unlocking a deeply interconnected sense of identity and joy?

Cultivate profound empathy for non-human life to replace feelings of human superiority, unlocking a deeply interconnected sense of identity and joy.

Our Wild Calling

How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives—and Save Theirs

Richard Louv

★ 4.5 / 5(46 ratings)

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Categories:

Nature & the Environment

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡Have you ever wondered what is actually happening when you lock eyes with a wild animal, and how that single moment of connection could change your life?
💡Did you know that rediscovering our ancient bond with other species might be the most powerful tool we have for fighting modern loneliness and climate despair?
💡What if you could transform your relationship with the natural world from one of distant observation to a deep, mutual conversation that benefits both you and the planet?

Listen to Our Wild Calling — Free Audiobook

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Key Takeaways from Our Wild Calling

✓Discover how appreciating the beauty of wild animals shifts conservation from a forced moral obligation into a natural, deeply rewarding inclination.
✓Understand the concept of "species loneliness" and how modern human isolation is largely driven by our increasing alienation from non-human life.
✓Learn about the "ecozoic epoch," a hopeful alternative future where humans combine modern technology with deep spirituality to foster mutually beneficial relationships with nature.
✓Recognize why anthropomorphizing animals is a double-edged sword that can hide their unique traits, while acknowledging our shared emotions is vital to preventing cruelty.
✓Cultivate profound empathy for non-human life to replace feelings of human superiority, unlocking a deeply interconnected sense of identity and joy.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Our Wild Calling

Mind Map

Our Wild Calling

The Power of Beauty & Empathy+

Species Loneliness vs. Connection+

Rethinking Anthropomorphism+

The Languages of Animals+

Ways of Relating to Nature+

Healing Through Local Action+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7

According to ecophilosopher Arne Naess, what is the difference between 'acting morally' and 'acting beautifully' toward nature?

A. Acting morally requires financial sacrifice, while acting beautifully is cost-free.
B. Acting morally is done out of obligation, while acting beautifully aligns with our true inclinations.
C. Acting morally focuses on preserving habitats, while acting beautifully focuses on individual animals.
D. Acting morally is a human construct, while acting beautifully is a trait found only in wild animals.

Question 2 of 7

What solution does eco-theologian Thomas Berry propose to counter the loneliness and environmental destruction of the 'anthropocene' epoch?

A. Abandoning all modern technology to return to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
B. Relocating human populations to concentrated urban centers to leave nature untouched.
C. Transitioning to the 'ecozoic epoch' where technology is combined with guiding spirituality to foster mutually beneficial relationships with other species.
D. Developing genetic engineering to create new species that can survive human-induced climate change.

Question 3 of 7

What was the historical consequence of René Descartes' concept of 'Bête machine' (animal machine)?

A. It led to the first international laws protecting animal welfare in farming.
B. It justified widespread cruelty and exploitation of animals by promoting the idea that they lacked thoughts and emotions.
C. It encouraged children to learn about animals through factual observation rather than cartoons.
D. It proved that animals possess a complex mechanical language similar to computer code.

Question 4 of 7

When researchers at Tel Aviv University decoded the calls of Egyptian fruit bats, what did they discover the bats were primarily doing?

A. Arguing over specific issues like sleeping arrangements, food, and proximity.
B. Warning each other about the presence of human observers.
C. Teaching juvenile bats how to navigate using echolocation.
D. Singing complex mating songs that rival the complexity of dolphin clicks.

Question 5 of 7

Why do the Maasai people of Southern Kenya lack a specific word for 'nature'?

A. Their language relies entirely on non-verbal communication to describe the environment.
B. They believe naming the natural world diminishes its sacred power.
C. They perceive themselves as completely inseparable from the natural world, making a distinct word unnecessary.
D. Their vocabulary was heavily restricted during colonial rule, leading to the loss of environmental terms.

Question 6 of 7

According to the author, what is the concept of 'co-becoming'?

A. The evolutionary process where two different species develop identical physical traits over time.
B. A relationship where humans and animals interact in a way that mutually influences and changes both parties.
C. The ethical duty of humans to act as guardians and caretakers for endangered wildlife.
D. A technological simulation that allows humans to experience the sensory world of an animal.

Question 7 of 7

According to ecophilosopher Glenn Albrecht, what is 'solastalgia'?

A. The profound grief humans feel over the devastation inflicted on the planet.
B. The joy experienced when successfully rehabilitating a local wildlife species.
C. A psychological condition where humans prefer the company of animals over other humans.
D. The ancestral memory of living in harmony with wild animals.

Our Wild Calling — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2Valuing the beauty of wild creatures inspires us to protect them
3Humanity is moving toward a lonely future, yet an alternative still exists.
4Anthropomorphizing animals cuts both ways, sharply.
5Animals communicate with humans, and they also speak among themselves too.
6We can engage with our natural world in many different ways today.
7Aid nature by thinking globally and acting locally.

Our Wild Calling Summary & Overview

Our Wild Calling (2020) examines how humans and other animals can enjoy mutually beneficial relationships. It explores stories and philosophy from the ecological movement, and outlines how we can move toward a more hopeful future for all Earthlings.

Who Should Listen to Our Wild Calling?

Nature lovers looking for inspiration
Office dwellers seeking ways to reconnect with nature
Anyone looking for direct ways to respond to global climate change

About the Author: Richard Louv

Richard Louv is an author and journalist, whose interests center around connecting families and communities to nature. He is also the cofounder of the nonprofit organization Children & Nature Network. Louv’s work has appeared in The New York Times, as well as other publications, and in 2008 he was awarded the Audubon Medal.

Our Wild Calling

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to Our Wild Calling — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from Our Wild Calling

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Our Wild Calling — Full Chapter Overview

Our Wild Calling Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to Our Wild Calling?

About the Author: Richard Louv

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