When One Animal Transforms a Human's Heart

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Over the past week or so, my X feed has been overtaken by Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippopotamus whose glistening skin, jaunty trot, and rippling neck rolls have won the internet’s devotion. A Washington Post article Last week attempted to elucidate the young calf's appeal by referencing scientific proof showing how creatures' cuteness can "manipulate our minds," akin to an infant's appealing traits which "tap into individuals' inherent protective impulses"—a survival mechanism that has aided human endurance.

However, people’s feelings towards other beings are much more complex than what the most recent online craze might indicate. On one side of things, humans’ fondness for animals, frequently displayed through giving them human traits, has been widely noted. Even back in 1874, this was observed. The Atlantic published an article asking whether they have souls ., since then, our writers have queried how smart animals are, whether they love us, and how they think On the contrary, numerous individuals continue to hold the view that various animal species are inferior creatures—intended for confinement in zoos or domesticated as pets, destined for consumption, or used for pharmaceutical testing.

Since its founding, The Atlantic has examined how thinking on animal welfare and rights has developed. An essay from 1976 written by James Fallows For example, this demonstrates the cognitive dissonance that numerous individuals exhibit regarding animals. Similar to many other Americans, Fallows admitted that although he would never consume his own pets, enjoying a steak dinner posed no ethical concerns for him. Additionally, he anticipated that such a perspective could quickly become outdated. As he stated, "Not only environmentalists have raised alarms about the endangerment of wildlife; a newer and more vocal group has emerged as well, arguing that every animal—even those that are plentiful and less appealing—have been deprived of their right to wellbeing and joy due to thoughtless humanity."

Nearly 30 years earlier, The Atlantic Published "Death of a Pig," an essay written by E.B. White In this narrative, he recounts the tale of a pig that captured his affection. Over time, White grew used to purchasing a piglet in the spring, nurturing it through the summer and autumn, only to have it butchered for food during the winter months. This routine did not raise concerns until now; previously, he saw nothing wrong with it, considering the slaughter method as efficient and swift. Moreover, the smoked bacon and ham were viewed as fitting conclusions to the process, one rarely disputed.

Everything shifted when a specific pig failed to appear for his usual meal time. Filled with concern and thinking the pig might be ill, White contacted someone they knew, who then reached out to another person. This individual advised them to administer castor oil and a soapy water enema to the pig. With his son holding the pig upside-down, White managed to pour the oil into the creature’s throat. "With his head pointing downwards, the edges of his lips drooped, making him look rather grim," as per White's account, attributing human-like feelings to the animal. After regaining strength, the pig once more displayed the cheerful demeanor typical even during illness. Despite these efforts, the pig did not improve, leading White to care for him much like a parent would tend to their own sick child over the following few days – checking body temperature through the ear, trying various foods such as milk—all without success. Consequently, White became increasingly disheartened, feeling deeply connected and empathetic towards the struggling pig.

White's newfound fondness for a pig he had intended to consume just moments before might appear contradictory. However, this sentiment mirrors the mixed feelings humans often harbor towards animals and highlights our aversion to witnessing their distress. As White articulates, the pig "endured within an afflicted universe," transforming into "a representation of universal sorrow." This realization led him to understand that "if what was happening to my pig could hold truth, then so too could it apply to the remainder of my orderly existence."

In essence, these queries delve into the core of human self-perception. Do we, as stated in the Bible, stand at the apex of God’s creations? And what exactly sets us apart from every other species on this planet? A critique of two books addressing these topics reveals some insights. discovery of dinosaurs In her publication this summer, Brenda Wineapple explores how the discovery of the first fossil disrupted humanity's perceived superior position in the overall narrative of existence. Despite the widespread acceptance of evolution as truth, people continue to view themselves at the pinnacle. This is evident as we still consume animals for food and use them for drug testing.

In 1989, Steven Zak wrote about animal-rights activists Those individuals aimed to prompt people to grapple with the query of "if animals, which possess emotions and complex mental states, should merely be utilized as tools for scientific research." In his piece, Zak invited readers to envision a society where humans were barred from causing harm to any animals. He referenced a 1988 study indicating that researchers could decrease the number of animals used in laboratories by employing present and potential alternative methods. Despite advancements since then, a future without animal experimentation remains unattained. Achieving this vision necessitates significant changes in perspective, such that—as Zak articulates—"rather than believing ourselves endowed with divine authority over all else in existence, we might embrace our interconnectedness within the natural world and recognize shared bonds with fellow beings."

This past summer, I visited an animal sanctuary in the Catskills that shelters numerous rescued farm creatures. During my visit, I encountered two pigs that were relocated from a nearby farm where their caretaker realized the harsh conditions they endured. This realization led him to reconsider his practices; he has since shifted focus to growing vegetables instead. It’s unclear whether White ceased breeding pigs for food altogether. However, four years following his essay titled "The Death of a Pig," he penned another piece. Charlotte’s Web The beloved children’s book revolves around Wilbur, an adorable young pig, and Charlotte, the spider who rescues him from being slaughtered. As autumn arrives towards the end of the story, Charlotte explains to Wilbur, "The leaves will detach from the trees and drop down. Then comes Christmas followed by the winter snows. You shall experience the enchantment of the frostbitten world"—a sight that White's pig character was unable to witness.