Bill Schutt – Cannibalism: Summary with Audio

Book Info

• Book name: Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History
• Author: Bill Schutt
• Genre: Non-fiction: Science & Technology, Social Sciences & Humanities
• Published Year: 2017
• Publisher: Algonquin Books
• Language: English

Audio Summary

Synopsis

In “Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History,” zoologist Bill Schutt takes readers on a captivating journey through the world of cannibalism in nature and human society. Challenging our preconceptions, Schutt explores how this taboo practice is more common and natural than we might think. From fish to humans, he examines the evolutionary, cultural, and environmental factors that drive cannibalism, offering a fresh perspective on a topic that has long fascinated and repulsed us in equal measure.

Key Takeaways

• Cannibalism is more widespread in nature than previously thought, occurring in every major animal group.
• Environmental factors like overcrowding and food scarcity can trigger cannibalistic behavior in various species.
• Cannibalism can serve evolutionary purposes, such as providing nutrition and accelerating development in certain animals.
• Human cannibalism has a complex history, influenced by cultural, religious, and environmental factors.
• The Western taboo against cannibalism may have roots in Judeo-Christian beliefs and colonial narratives.

My Summary

Unveiling the Natural History of Cannibalism

As I delved into Bill Schutt’s “Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History,” I found myself on a fascinating journey that challenged my preconceptions about this taboo topic. Schutt, a zoologist and professor of biology, approaches the subject with a blend of scientific rigor and engaging storytelling that makes for a truly captivating read.

The Prevalence of Cannibalism in Nature

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the book is Schutt’s exploration of how common cannibalism actually is in the animal kingdom. As someone who’s always been interested in biology, I was surprised to learn that cannibalism occurs in every major animal group, even among species we typically consider herbivores, like butterflies. This revelation made me reconsider my understanding of natural behaviors and the complexity of ecosystems.

Schutt explains that cannibalism is often a response to environmental factors such as overcrowding, hunger, and lack of alternative food sources. For instance, the author describes how fish commonly consume their own eggs and young, which are nutritious and easy to catch. This pragmatic approach to survival in nature challenged my notion of cannibalism as an inherently “unnatural” act.

The Evolutionary Advantages of Cannibalism

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the book for me was the discussion of how cannibalism can actually provide evolutionary advantages. Schutt presents fascinating examples, such as the flower beetle, which produces more eggs when engaging in cannibalistic behavior. The case of the sand tiger shark, which practices cannibalism in utero, was particularly striking. This species essentially “trains” for survival before birth by consuming its siblings, a practice that ensures only the strongest offspring survive.

These examples made me reflect on the complexity of natural selection and how behaviors we might consider cruel or wasteful can actually serve important biological functions. It’s a reminder of how nature often operates in ways that can seem counterintuitive to human morality.

Environmental Stress and Cannibalism

Schutt’s exploration of how environmental stressors can lead to cannibalism resonated with me, especially in light of current global challenges. The author draws parallels between animal behavior and potential human responses to severe environmental pressures. For example, he discusses how chickens in overcrowded farms may resort to cannibalistic behavior due to stress.

This section of the book made me think about the potential long-term consequences of climate change and resource scarcity on human behavior. While the idea of widespread human cannibalism seems far-fetched, Schutt’s analysis of historical instances during times of famine and war suggests that it’s not outside the realm of possibility under extreme circumstances.

Human Cannibalism: From Ritual to Taboo

The book’s examination of human cannibalism throughout history and across cultures was both fascinating and unsettling. Schutt presents a balanced view, discussing both ritualistic practices in some societies and the Western taboo against cannibalism. I found the author’s exploration of how this taboo may have originated in Judeo-Christian beliefs and been reinforced through colonial narratives particularly thought-provoking.

As someone who grew up with Western fairy tales, I was intrigued by Schutt’s analysis of how stories like “Hansel and Gretel” and “Little Red Riding Hood” have been used to perpetuate the fear of cannibalism. It made me reconsider the cultural messages embedded in the stories we tell our children and how they shape our perceptions of “normal” and “taboo” behaviors.

Modern Instances of Cannibalism

One of the most surprising aspects of the book for me was the discussion of contemporary cannibalism. Schutt presents cases that range from the horrific, like the story of Armin Meiwes in Germany, to the more commonplace practice of placentophagy (eating the placenta after childbirth) among some women. These examples highlight the complexity of human behavior and the various motivations behind cannibalistic acts in modern society.

The author’s personal experience of tasting placenta adds a unique and somewhat humorous dimension to the book. While I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to try it myself, Schutt’s description certainly piqued my curiosity about the cultural and perceived health benefits that drive this practice.

Cannibalism and Disease Transmission

An important aspect of cannibalism that Schutt doesn’t shy away from is its potential role in disease transmission. The example of the Fore people of New Guinea, who nearly went extinct due to a neurological disease spread through their ritual consumption of dead relatives’ brains, serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with cannibalism.

This section of the book made me reflect on the interconnectedness of cultural practices, health, and survival. It also highlighted the importance of understanding the biological consequences of our behaviors, even when they’re deeply rooted in tradition or belief.

Reflections on Our Relationship with Nature

As I finished “Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History,” I found myself contemplating our complex relationship with nature and our place within it. Schutt’s work challenges us to look beyond our cultural biases and consider how behaviors we find abhorrent might serve important functions in the natural world.

The book raises important questions about how we define “natural” behavior and the extent to which human morality aligns with or diverges from natural processes. It also prompts us to consider how our actions as a species might be pushing other animals into behaviors we consider undesirable.

A Call for Open-Minded Inquiry

Ultimately, Schutt’s book is a testament to the value of approaching even the most taboo subjects with scientific curiosity and open-mindedness. By examining cannibalism through various lenses – biological, evolutionary, cultural, and historical – the author provides a nuanced understanding of a complex topic.

As readers, we’re left with thought-provoking questions: How might our understanding of cannibalism inform our approach to current ecological challenges? What other “natural” behaviors might we be misunderstanding or overlooking? And how can we balance our cultural values with a clear-eyed view of the natural world?

“Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History” is not just a book about a taboo topic; it’s an invitation to reconsider our assumptions about nature, culture, and our place in the world. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone curious about the stranger aspects of the natural world, this book offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on a topic that has long captured the human imagination.