From Library Journal
This inspiring book brings together two notables of the animal welfare movement-primatologist Goodall and animal behaviorist Bekoff, who coedited the Encyclopedia of Animal Rights and Animal Welfare-for the first and, one hopes, not the last time. The result of their labor is a gift to those who care about the environment, animals, and people. How many readers have thought, "I care about environmental issues, but what can I do? My contribution would be a drop in the bucket." The authors answer that questions with their ten trusts, e.g., "Teach our children to respect and love nature" and "Praise and help those who work for animals and the natural world," which one can use as a personal action plan. For instance, in their discussion of the trust "Respect all life," the authors point out that while it was once necessary for humans to wear furs to survive, today it is a needless and thoughtless act perpetuated by fashion designers. Readers are encouraged to examine the facts in such cases and make some life choices. This book will be popular wherever there is an interest in animals and the environment.
Peggie Partello, Keene State Coll. Lib., NH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Scientist Goodall's profound compassion and respect for life have induced her to become a tireless activist on behalf of animals, over whom humans hold the power of life and death. Here she teams up with ethologist Bekoff, author of Minding Animals [BKL Ap 1 02], to present a riveting treatise on how to "become better and more compassionate inhabitants of Earth" by embracing 10 "trusts" that will put a stop to animal abuse, environmental destruction, and concomitant human suffering. In deeply moving true-life stories of love and altruism involving various creatures from dogs to a parrot, donkey, and pot-bellied pig, matched by indelible accounts of the healing properties of mutually affectionate human-animal relationships, these two lucid scientists declare once and for all that animals do, as any close observer will attest, possess emotions and intelligence; they do feel pain. This is prelude to harrowing descriptions of how these sentient, most likely sapient beings are routinely tortured in the service of science, medicine, agriculture, cosmetics, and entertainment. Goodall and Bekoff's mission is not to horrify but to inspire. Determinedly optimistic, they insist that every effort to eradicate these crimes against animals, no matter how modest, from buying free-range eggs to supporting animal rights groups, proves that we can still become "wise stewards of life on Earth." An accessible, compelling, and important expose. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
“A wonderful mix of science and ethics that deserves the widest audience. Goodall and Bekoff are a marvellous team.” — Peter Singer, author of Animal Liberation and Ira. W. DeCamp professor of Bioethics, Princeton University
“A powerful paradigm for the twenty-first century. Read it and be part of the healing of our planet!” — Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M, author of Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans & Animals Can Change the Way We Live
“Ten commandments for the future of advanced life of our planet...these too deserve to be chiseled on stone.” — Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions and Why Religion Matters
“A powerful credo of compassion. May it stand alongside The Earth Charter as a revolutionary text for this century.” — Terry Tempest Williams, author of Leap and Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert
“The Ten Trusts weaves together science, ethics, and vivid storytelling to inspire us. A beautiful and heart-stirring book.” — Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals
“Jane Goodall, with customary good sense and wisdom, reminds us of the tenderness we owe towards all of creation.” — Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature and Hope, Human and Wild: True Stories of Living Lightly on the Earth
About the Author
Marc Bekoff is professor of biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is the author of many books, including Minding Animals: Awareness, Emotions and Heart, and is a former Guggenheim Fellow and a Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society. Bekoff is also regional coordinator for Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program, which promotes environmental awareness and community involvement of young people, senior citizens, and prisoners in over seventy countries through education and hands-on activities.
Jane Goodall is one of the world's leading conservationists. The author of many books, including the New York Times bestseller, Reason for Hope, she is renowned for her work with the chimpanzees of Gombe National Park in Tanzania, as well as for her extensive worldwide lecturing on conservation and preservation of all species.
