As the most social apes, we inhabit a mirror-world in which every important relationship, whether with spouse, friend or child, shapes the brain, which in turn shapes our relationships. Diane Ackerman apebrainchild Change image and share on social
Just as our ancient ancestors drew animals on cave walls and carved animals from wood and bone, we decorate our homes with animal prints and motifs, give our children stuffed animals to clutch, cartoon animals to watch, animal stories to read. Diane Ackerman ancestorancientanimal share on social
We tend to think of heroes only in terms of violent combat, whether it's against enemies or a natural disaster. But human beings also perform radical acts of compassion; we just don't talk about them, or we don't talk about them as much. Diane Ackerman actbeingcombat share on social
Touch seems to be as essential as sunlight. Diane Ackerman essentialsunlighttouch Change image and share on social
I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well. Diane Ackerman endfindlength Change image and share on social
Like many animals, wild ponies can sense a drop in barometric pressure. When a storm threatens, they know to seek shelter in hilly areas and huddle together with their rumps facing the oncoming wind. Diane Ackerman animalareabarometric Change image and share on social
Everyone admits that love is wonderful and necessary, yet no one agrees on just what it is. Diane Ackerman admitagreelove Change image and share on social
As a species, we've somehow survived large and small ice ages, genetic bottlenecks, plagues, world wars and all manner of natural disasters, but I sometimes wonder if we'll survive our own ingenuity. Diane Ackerman agebottleneckdisaster Change image and share on social
Hurricane season brings a humbling reminder that, despite our technologies, most of nature remains unpredictable. Diane Ackerman bringhumblehurricane Change image and share on social
I'm fascinated how often and with what whole-heartedness people will risk their lives to perform acts of courage, sacrifice, and compassion for total strangers. Diane Ackerman actcompassioncourage Change image and share on social
