Solitaire Book Club: If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal

If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal by Justin Gregg. Scientists still aren't quite sure just what the definition of intelligence is, but Gregg is pretty sure that whatever it is, humans having developed it is at best a two-edged sword and at worst the stupidest thing ever. Gregg uses his experience in animal behavior and communication to walk us through human and animal examples of the various types of cognition that comprise aspects of intelligence and consciousness - theory of mind, episodic foresight, mental time travel, death wisdom - and demonstrate that however useful they may be, they are not necessary for a species or individual to survive and thrive, and in fact may have unintended consequences that actually create unhappiness, not just for individuals, but for the rest if the world as well.

The book functions as primer on what it means to think and feel, and Gregg's snappy writing keeps it grounded, accessible, and entertaining on every page.