Intelligence in Nature: An Inquiry Into Knowledge Book

This book is neither well written nor well argued. The book is an academic travelogue of which relates interviews Narby conducts with various researchers and informants. What these researchers and informants have to relate is of interest, but how these ideas are related is not. Narby's thinking is about the nature of intelligence and the intelligence in nature is very sloppy. Rather than come to grips with the various definitions of intelligence, skill and knowledge, Narby skirts the issue and refuses to take any theoretical position other than this is all really complex stuff. Frequently in the book Narby finds solace in mundane ethical non-dilemmas of invertebrate rights and plant perception, but even on these issues he finds difficultly in taking and defending a position. The travelogue portions of the book are do not inform the ideas presented and consist of banalities such as it was stormy in Tokyo and the plane ride was long. What is of interest are the descriptions of researchers views about intelligence and the capacity of seemingly simple organisms to perform complex tasks. Bees that can abstract, slime molds solving mazes and plants that communicate is all very interesting stuff. In fact the extended quotes provided in the back of the book make for a fascinating read and Narby can be applauded for collecting it all in one place. But having a good bibliography is not enough for me to recommend reading the book.