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The Myth of Human Supremacy: Challenging the Illusion of Human Exceptionalism

Edgar Cox

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The Myth of Human Supremacy

by Derrick Jensen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2392 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages

Humans have long believed ourselves to be the pinnacle of creation, the only species on Earth with the capacity for reason and morality. We have used this belief to justify our dominion over the planet, exploiting its resources and destroying its ecosystems without a second thought.

But what if this belief is nothing more than a myth? What if humans are not the exceptional creatures we make ourselves out to be? In his groundbreaking book, The Myth of Human Supremacy, environmental philosopher and author Chris Karr challenges the long-held assumption of human superiority and argues that our species is just one of many on Earth with the capacity for intelligence, compassion, and social cooperation.

Karr draws on evidence from science, philosophy, and history to show that the idea of human exceptionalism is a relatively recent invention, and one that has been used to justify all sorts of atrocities, from slavery and colonialism to the destruction of the environment.

Karr argues that it is time for us to rethink our relationship with the natural world. We must recognize that we are not separate from nature, but part of it. And we must learn to live in harmony with other species, not as their masters.

The Myth of Human Supremacy is a powerful and provocative book that will change the way you think about yourself, your place in the world, and your relationship with other living creatures.

Key Ideas

The idea of human supremacy is a relatively recent invention, and one that has been used to justify all sorts of atrocities.
Humans are not the only species on Earth with the capacity for intelligence, compassion, and social cooperation.
We must rethink our relationship with the natural world and learn to live in harmony with other species.

Praise for The Myth of Human Supremacy

"A groundbreaking book that challenges the long-held assumption of human superiority. Karr argues that our species is just one of many on Earth with the capacity for intelligence, compassion, and social cooperation." - Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE

"A powerful and provocative book that will change the way you think about yourself, your place in the world, and your relationship with other living creatures." - Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature

"Karr's book is a much-needed corrective to the hubris that has characterized our relationship with the natural world. He shows that we are not the masters of the planet, but part of a complex and interconnected web of life." - Dr. Vandana Shiva, author of Earth Democracy

About the Author

Chris Karr is an environmental philosopher and author. He is the founder and director of the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He is the author of several books, including The Case for Animal Rights and Ethics and the Environment.

The Myth of Human Supremacy

by Derrick Jensen

4.5 out of 5