Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson is an American author and scholar best known for his work on the history of compassion and its relationship to human evolution.
Birth and Death Dates
Born in 1947, Masson's early life and education laid the foundation for his future academic pursuits. While specific dates of death are not readily available, it can be inferred that he is still active in his field given the numerous publications under his name.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Masson holds dual American-Israeli citizenship and has worked as a writer, translator, and philosopher throughout his career. His diverse expertise spans multiple disciplines, including philosophy, history, and biology.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family with a deep appreciation for languages and culture, Masson developed an early interest in the arts and humanities. He was particularly drawn to the study of ancient civilizations, which would later become a significant aspect of his research. His experiences living in different countries during childhood also instilled in him a sense of cultural adaptability.
Major Accomplishments
Masson's most notable work is arguably "The Face of a Dog," where he discusses the complex relationship between humans and animals from an evolutionary perspective. This book marked a significant shift in public perception regarding animal emotions, as it presented compelling evidence supporting the notion that animals experience empathy and compassion. His findings have been widely referenced by experts in the field.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to "The Face of a Dog," Masson has authored several other notable books, including "Dogs Never Lie About Love: Reflections on the Emotional Bond Between Humans and Animals". These works demonstrate his dedication to exploring the emotional lives of animals and their connection with humans.
Impact and Legacy
Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson's contributions have had a lasting impact on our understanding of animal emotions and behavior. His research has been instrumental in fostering greater empathy towards animals, encouraging readers to reevaluate their relationships with the natural world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Masson's thought-provoking ideas about compassion and its role in human evolution have resonated deeply with a wide audience. Through his engaging writing style and meticulous research, he has effectively challenged conventional views on animal behavior, inspiring readers to consider the emotional complexity of non-human species. His work continues to influence contemporary discussions surrounding animal welfare and conservation efforts.
Overall, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson is a compelling figure whose life's work reflects a deep passion for understanding human-animal relationships from an evolutionary perspective. His influential ideas continue to inspire and educate readers worldwide.
Quotes by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
The standards for defining the existence of emotions in animals begin with those in common use for humans. One should demand no more proof that an animal feels an emotion than would be demanded of a human – and, like humans, the animal should be permitted to speak its own emotional language, which it is up to the beholder to understand.
Strange as it seems, we appear to be the only species who do not have an instinctive ability to know what food we should eat to stay healthy. All other animals do. We consider ourselves a superior species, yet we are destroying the only planet we have, endangering our very existence.
De Waal complains that anthropoid apes are so good at reading human body language as to leave people who work with them feeling transparent.34.
A lion is not a lion if it is only free to eat, to sleep and to copulate. It deserves to be free to hunt and to choose its own prey; to look for and find its own mate; to fight for and hold its own territory; and to die where it was born – in the wild. It should have the same rights as we have.
Hardly any animal can look as deeply disappointed as a dog to whom one says “no.”
The curiosity of cats is, like their affection, of a purity and intensity rarely seen in humans. We would be jaded when faced with the fiftieth paper bag. Not so our cats.
We need cats to need us. It unnerves us that they do not. However, if they do not need us, they nonetheless seem to love us.
