60 pages • 2 hours read
The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World
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Book Brief
368
Book • Nonfiction
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Spell of the Sensuous, David Abram explores the relationship between human perception, language, and the natural world, arguing that modern society's reliance on technology and literacy has dulled sensory experiences and disconnected individuals from the environment. He draws on personal experiences and philosophical inquiry, examining how language shapes human engagement with nature and advocating for a more embodied, participatory approach to the natural world. The book discusses historical eras of colonization, cultural displacement, loss of Indigenous knowledge, and ecological disruption.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Informative
Fantastical
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
5,730 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Spell of the Sensuous by David Abram is praised for its poetic and profound exploration of the human connection to nature. Abram's interdisciplinary approach, blending phenomenology, anthropology, and environmental thought, captivates readers. However, some find his arguments occasionally idealistic and meandering. Overall, the book is a thought-provoking and eloquent read.
Who Should Read The Spell of the Sensuous?
Nature enthusiasts and philosophy buffs will find joy in David Abram's The Spell of the Sensuous. If you were captivated by Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac or Thoreau's Walden, this book's exploration of the human-nature connection is a must-read.
5,730 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Edmund Husserl
Edmund Husserl
A German philosopher recognized as the founder of phenomenology, whose ideas about lived experience and the “lifeworld” are central to the book’s argument for reconnecting scientific knowledge with sensory experiences.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty
Maurice Merleau-Ponty
A French phenomenologist whose work on perception and embodiment emphasizes the body’s role in shaping human experience and understanding. His ideas contribute to the book's discussion of an integrated, ecologically aware consciousness.
368
Book • Nonfiction
1996
Adult
18+ years
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