What good is human intelligence?

This is a newsletter dedicated to figuring out the value of human intelligence, and thus what it means to be human. As a scientist studying animal cognition and behavior, I have become increasingly convinced that the human way of thinking - as sophisticated and exceptional as it is - might not actually be all that great. I will be sharing amusing and thought-provoking stories of animal intelligence (and human stupidity) in this newsletter. This will expand on the ideas I write about in my upcoming book If Nietzsche Were A Narwhal, published in August, 2022 by Little, Brown.

Because we learn new and unexpected things about animal minds almost every day, this newsletter will supply you with fresh takes on the latest animal cognition cognition research. And because humans seem to engage in bone-headed behavior with intense regularity, there will be plenty of analysis of weird human behavior stories. You can expect regular (hopefully bi-weekly) articles, stories, and updates, including some behind-the-scenes info about my career as an author-person as I gear up for the launch of my book. It should be equal parts science and silliness, with lots of food for thought. And animal pics/vids, of course!

-Justin Gregg
Senior Researcher with the Dolphin Communication Project
Prof at St. Francis Xavier University

Here’s a pic of me with some books: