Mama's Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves

by Frans de Waal

Do I hear an echo of Ortega y Gasset’s claim that a chimp wakes up every morning with no idea who or what he is? I’m baffled, because for most animals, today’s behavior is a direct continuation of yesterday’s and predicts tomorrow’s. Imagine having to start over every day figuring out their hierarchy and social network! In reality, each individual member of an animal society has an enduring role. Like us, animals know exactly who they are and where they fit in. Their friendships often last a lifetime. In addition, status displays are much more than a way to get the upper hand. Sometimes they relate to recent history, such as the triumph ceremony of geese, which typically follows a victory, such as a gander chasing off a rival. Doesn’t this ceremony suggest the gander is proud, as it does with humans?