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In The Arrogant Ape, Christine Webb presents a compelling critique of anthropocentrism—the deeply rooted belief in human superiority over nature and other species. Drawing from evolutionary biology, Indigenous knowledge systems, cognitive science, and philosophy of mind, the book challenges the dominant cultural narrative that frames humans as separate from and more valuable than the rest of the living world.

Webb unpacks the historical legacy of human exceptionalism, from the Great Chain of Being to modern speciesism, arguing that this worldview is not an innate truth but a socially constructed bias that has fueled ecological degradation, colonization, and exploitation. Through examples of nonhuman intelligence, animal social cultures, and the concept of umwelt (the unique perceptual world of each species), the book reveals a richer, more interconnected understanding of life on Earth.

This episode explores how adopting a Darwinian continuity mindset—recognizing the evolutionary links between all species—can foster biophilia, environmental stewardship, and a more ethical relationship with the planet. Webb’s call is clear: to rethink what it means to be human by embracing interdependence, ecological humility, and a post-anthropocentric worldview.

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