It is widely believed that although animals don't know that one day they'll die, many of them do know when they're actually dying. So at what point does a dying animal become aware of what's happening? Could it possibly be a long time before? And how do animals respond to aging? Are they completely puzzled, or do they somehow intuit what the signs mean? Are these foolish questions? I acknowledge that they are. And yet they preoccupy me.
The mystery surrounding animal awareness of death is intriguing and raises important questions about their understanding of life and aging. While many believe that animals may not grasp the concept of death until it is imminent, they might sense the gradual decline of their health. This leads to a consideration of how an animal’s perception of aging impacts their behavior and mental state. Do they simply live in the moment, or do they have a deeper awareness of their physical changes?
The author of "The Friend," Sigrid Nunez, explores these profound questions, acknowledging that while they may seem trivial, they provoke thoughtful reflection. This contemplation underscores the complexity of animal consciousness and encourages readers to consider the emotional and cognitive lives of animals, particularly as they confront the realities of aging and mortality.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
