Leavers, in contrast, live in harmony with nature. They embrace ecological balance and maintain traditions that prioritize community and sustainability. Their societal structures have allowed them to thrive for millennia without depleting the planet's resources.

Quinn critiques modern civilization's belief systems by arguing that Taker culture promotes superiority and entitlement. This perspective conflicts with sustainable practices. Through Ishmael's dialogue with a student, the narrative encourages reconsideration of cultural norms and exploration of alternative ways for humanity to coexist with nature.

Critique of modern civilization

My Ishmael critiques modern civilization as a destructive force causing environmental harm and cultural ignorance. Through Ishmael, a gorilla, Quinn argues that humanity's pursuit of dominance disrupts the natural order. As humans see themselves as rulers, biodiversity collapses, causing an evolutionary standstill. The book contrasts tribal societies' sustainable practices with industrial civilization, suggesting cultural ignorance impedes understanding of harmonious living with nature. In the context of climate change and biodiversity issues, My Ishmael examines the root causes of ecological challenges and questions the dominant human-centric narrative.

Philosophical dialogues

In My Ishmael, Julie Gerchak and Ishmael, a telepathic gorilla, engage in discussions on civilization and human nature. Throughout, Julie, who is just 12 years old, joins Ishmael in questioning societal norms while also challenging some of his beliefs. Their dynamic exchanges prompt readers to reconsider entrenched ideas and encourage critical thinking.

Education critique

In My Ishmael, Daniel Quinn critiques the modern education system through Ishmael, a wise gorilla who views it as a mechanism that prioritizes economic conformity over true learning. Ishmael argues that education extends dependence by producing graduates who lack practical skills while supporting economic consumption. He contrasts this with tribal societies, where learning integrates into daily life, fostering practical skills and cultural appreciation. Quinn's narrative suggests that current educational settings focus on abstract knowledge often detached from practical application.

Quick facts

• My Ishmael is the “sidesquel” to Daniel Quinn's 1992 novel Ishmael, which was awarded the prestigious Turner Tomorrow Fellowship, with a $500,000 prize, a year before its formal publication. 

• My Ishmael is the third book in Quinn’s Ishmael trilogy, which explores fundamental philosophical themes through the format of Socratic dialogues.

• The protagonist, Julie Gerchak, is a 12-year-old with a complex home life who communicates telepathically with Ishmael, a sapient gorilla.

• Julie travels to Africa to help return Ishmael to his homeland, underscoring themes of freedom and captivity.

• The novel critiques modern civilization, distinguishing between Takers (modern cultures) and Leavers (tribal cultures living harmoniously with nature).

• My Ishmael promotes living sustainably and harmoniously, rather than dominating nature as seen in Taker societies.

• My Ishmael challenges the role and purpose of formal education, suggesting it primarily serves economic interests rather than true learning.

• My Ishmael influenced real-world events; James Lee cited the book during a hostage situation at the Discovery Channel.

• Quinn notably disapproved of the book's earlier adaptation into the film Instinct.

• Themes from My Ishmael, including societal harm and sustainability, inspired musicians like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and influenced the naming of the rock band Animals as Leaders.

• Quinn's works, including My Ishmael, critique humanity's disruptive effect on evolutionary processes and underscore the potential for sustainable coexistence.

About the author

Daniel Quinn (1935–2018) was a noted American author of philosophical novels. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Quinn explored monastic life before turning to writing. His work was devoted to challenging widely accepted assumptions of human society, including the belief in human supremacy. His debut novel Ishmael won the Turner Tomorrow Fellowship in 1991, a year before its formal publication. He followed its success with a spiritual sequel, The Story of B (1996) and a “sidequel,” My Ishmael (1997). Quinn also detailed how he arrived at the ideas behind Ishmael in his 1994 autobiography, Providence: The Story of a Fifty-Year Vision Quest.