Humanish Review: Rethinking What It Means to Be an Animal
In this Humanish review, we examine Justin Gregg’s provocative exploration of animal minds and human projection. Gregg challenges how we view our pets, from reptile companions to dogs with prosthetics. He asks: how “human” are our animals—and how wrong do we get it?
The Central Question in This Humanish Review
Gregg opens with a bizarre story: in the 1970s, a former Soviet naval officer claimed that pregnant women should give birth underwater alongside dolphins. This odd tale anchors his broader point: humans have long imposed their fantasies on animals. In Humanish, Gregg dissects anthropomorphism and its effects on how we treat pets, AI, and nature. He teaches us to pause and question what we assume.
Prosthetics, Pets, and Projection
One striking story in the book involves dog owners who fit “neuticles”—silicone testicular implants—on their neutered pets. Gregg uses this example to show how much projection we invest in our animals. The veterinary establishment insists there’s no physical benefit. Yet emotionally, owners feel compelled. This behavior sets the tone: our impulses often outsize scientific realities.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftr9yY-YuYU
Reptiles, Cognition, and Surprise in Humanish Review
Gregg doesn’t limit himself to furry pets. Reptiles and crocodilians feature prominently. He cites studies revealing play, social bonds, even subtle problem-solving in species once thought to be instinct‑only. These sections shine because they shift our perspective. Suddenly, creatures we dismiss become richer in behavior and mystery.
Between Intuition and Evidence
Gregg advocates for cautious anthropomorphism. He argues that feeling an animal has a humanlike trait isn’t proof—but intuition can inspire inquiry. He cites Jane Goodall, who urged its “judicious use.” Through Gregg’s lens, our attributions to animals become starting points for questions, rather than assumptions.
When Projection Becomes Dangerous
The book also warns of misuse. Gregg describes the “raccoon craze” in Japan after the anime Rascal Raccoon. People imported raccoons without knowing they become destructive and aggressive. Humanizing such animals brought harm to ecosystems and pets alike. This case shows projection has repercussions beyond our homes.
Animal Minds vs Machines in Humanish Review
Gregg draws firm lines between living creatures and AI. While he encourages empathy with animals, he denies consciousness to large language models like ChatGPT—arguing biological grounding is essential. He acknowledges that metaphors like “hard wiring” in brains are imperfect, but insists a machine is no more than code, not mind.
Why We Anthropomorphize
For Gregg, anthropomorphism is tied to human isolation and separation from nature. As we lose contact with wild species and spend hours online, we lean harder into projection. He sees it less as error and more as a symptom of disconnection. The more distant we feel from “the real,” the more we cast our images onto the world.
