Mama's Last Hug

Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us About Ourselves

By: Frans de Waal

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author and primatologist Frans de Waal explores the fascinating world of animal and human emotions.

Mama's Last Hug opens with the dramatic farewell between Mama, a dying 59-year-old chimpanzee matriarch, and biologist Jan Van Hooff. This heartfelt final meeting of two longtime friends, widely shared as a video, offers a window into how deep and instantly recognizable these bonds can be.

So begins Frans de Waal's whirlwind tour of new ideas and findings about animal emotions, based on his renowned studies of the social and emotional lives of chimpanzees, bonobos, and other primates. De Waal discusses facial expressions, animal sentience and consciousness, Mama's life and death, the emotional side of human politics, and the illusion of free will. He distinguishes between emotions and feelings, all the while emphasizing the continuity between our species and other species. And he makes the radical proposal that emotions are like organs: We don't have a single organ that other animals don't have, and the same is true for our emotions.

©2019 Frans de Waal (P)2019 Recorded Books

Refreshing

So many good moments for me. I plan to relisten while taking notes. These ideas will help me create a master's thesis.

Great book about animal emotions

De Waal is not only the world’s leading primatologist, but he is also a great philosopher. I say watch his TED talk and get your hands on the rest of his books!

Every psychology study should start with this book

acrually every sociologist, economist, theologian, politician would do well to read this book and learn that we have to simplify the way we look at the world.

On animal psychology and emotions

An excellent read that provides several insights. As someone that has cohabitated with animals since birth, as well as raised and bred animals in captivity, many of the sections in this book served more as confirmation than revelation. I will be recommending this book to my partner, as well as many of my friends.

It is understandable that many took issue with the authors' derision of many other authors and scientists. It does detract from the overall work. When something exists in one's mind as being so glaringly obvious, it is sometimes difficult to withhold signs of contempt for those that choose to ignore the evidence. This is what editors are for; someone should have pulled those sections from the book to aid in clear continuity without unnecessary disruption.

excellent insight into the origins of human emotio

this is groundbreaking research compiled into a comprehensive volume in cognitive behavior of primates and animals in general the book was fluid and narration atonal at points, yet at those points having a neutral narrative was essential. there is a plethora of information here about the parallels between animal cognition and behavior and emotions and human emotions Behavior and cognition. this book explains very well even in passing reference at times the hierarchical structure of chimpanzee Society in relation to how it is relevant in their behavior. one will find that targeted organized attacks by chimpanzees Echo the same behavior in humans. if you are a primatologist, an archaeologist, a historian or neurologist or just a reader interested in the subject, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. highly recommended!

More Than A 'Hug' From Mama

I purchased this audiobook after watching a video by the same name on YouTube; and if you haven't seen it then it's an easy search. Now for the 'More' part of this review. I had never heard of a 'Primatologist' or even knew that researches spend the entire career studying animal behavior; moreover, I had considered that such scientist quibble over applying the term 'emotions' or 'feelings' to animals—other than humans. I'm now well into my eighth decade and have enjoyed the loving company of felines for most of my life. Guess that says it all right there and yet it doesn't. I recall mentioning to my wife that, "Our cats (you can't have just ONE!) must have a rich inner life.' — And this book prove my observation many times over. Yes, please proceed with this selection, I think you'll agree—it's worth far more than the price, even if your not a cat lover.

Incredibly interesting

Frans de Waal is very sharp and this book brought up so many interesting questions and ideas. It’s fascinating to learn about primates and animal emotions and his ability to relate it back to our own emotions really puts things into perspective. Highly recommend this book!

we're not alone, emotionally speaking

A clear and entertaining look at animal emotions and what it means for humans.

Exceptional Science

The narrator was top notch . The material was well supported and insightful. Logical, rational, and reasonable conclusions. Transparent scientific method. Loved it.

Life changing, everyone should read this book

As a biologist I was trained to think any interpretation of emotions or feelings from animals were strictly anthropomorphic (created in my mind by projecting my own emotional state onto an animals actions). I quite often had a hard time agreeing with this theory. The author so eloquently provides a plethora of anecdotal and scientific research that implies we have been all wrong for a long time. It’s time we change the way we see and treat animals in our world and I am so glad this book was written. I hope it changes the minds and hearts of many.