Do animals possess thoughts, emotions and inner lives similar to ours?

Given our shared biological traits, it’s almost unlikely that they wouldn’t. We share nearly 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees, and our brains are three times smaller than those of elephants. Ongoing research continues to unveil complex cognitive abilities in certain species, including empathy and self-awareness. Animals are similar to us in many ways, yet distinctly unique.

Throughout history, wild beings were often perceived as emotionless, granting us unchecked authority over them. This skewed perspective contributes to our role in driving over 70% of species extinct in just four decades. Recognizing and prioritizing their needs is crucial.

Björn Persson’s photography portrays animals as highly conscious beings, bridging the divide between humanity and the animal kingdom and, in turn, nurturing the respect necessary for their survival. Living Souls, the concluding book in his trilogy about modern man’s affinity to nature, emphasizes the vital importance of acknowledging animals as living souls for the future of wildlife.

———

Vårt förhållande till djuren har länge dikterats av ett synsätt som berövar dem känslor, tankar och behov – allt det man brukar kalla en själ. Föreställningen har gett människan obehindrad rätt att kuva det vilda och ociviliserade och har bland annat bidragit till att ett ofattbart antal arter har utrotats i modern tid.

I Björn Perssons fotografier ser vi savannens djur med förnyad blick. Kan ett förändrat sätt att se djuren lägga grunden till ett mer etiskt förhållningssätt till dem?