“Being Salmon, Being Human is a fantastic narrative-with-moral-message.” After reading John Piccolo’s mesmerizing review of Martin Lee Mueller’s wonderful book, I was enthused enough to get it promptly, and it did not let me down: it is a wonderful read. Featured here are ideas and quotes from the review which is available in The Ecological Citizen here.
“If we as humans are to become more in-this-world, as Mueller wishes, we will need to recognize (re-think), then accept, who we are in the much broader evolutionary sense.” This book succeeds in making this point and, indeed, helps us to start on the path needed.
The book interweaves many stories, facts and ecocentric philosophy in an enchanting and very readable mix. While it discusses wild and farmed salmon at some length it is not a book about the salmon industry. “I know of no other such learned text that unfolds in such a voice, allowing the reader to experience the storyteller’s intent. Being Salmon, Being Human is a unique contribution to the philosophical and ecological literature, in tying together knowledge and experience in a way that educates and inspires.”
Early in the book, there is a discussion of Descartes’ errors, which I now understand much
better. There is a considerable section on Native views on sustainability, as illustrated by their concepts of, and use of, salmon; these are illuminating, especially when contrasted with present day economics (which the reader will have to do for her/him self). “Far beyond salmon, however, this is a book about how our “human-centered story is causing the ecological web to come undone at a magnitude of disintegration that is difficult to comprehend.”
Read Piccolo’s full review here and then get the book. You’ll be glad you did!
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