Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace

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Some believe culture is solely a human trait. This book explores the cultures of non-human beings in Earth's wild places, revealing that sperm whales, scarlet macaws, and chimpanzees also perceive themselves as individuals within communities. Their identities are shaped not just by genes but also by culture, which acts as a second form of inheritance passed down through generations. These beings raise young, appreciate beauty, and seek peace, with their cultures evolving over time. The capacity for social learning enables them to adapt behaviors more swiftly than genetic changes alone would allow. Through individual stories from various animal societies, the book provides insight into non-human cultures, showcasing how these beings teach and learn. With immersive reporting from nature, it offers a unique perspective on life beyond humanity and addresses the pressing question of our coexistence with other species.