Thanks Doc Block!

Once such a population becomes large enough to sustain an epidemic, frequent change of sexual partners becomes a very effective way to amplify the virulence of whatever diseases are circulating. (See Paul Ewald, _The Evolution of Infectious Disease_ , for the reasons why this is the likely outcome (for critters not equipped with modern precautionary techniques ).)

So the bonobos have ways that suit their particular niche in the world; and we have rather less attractive traits that suited the way our ancestors were living. One excuse for our history, for example, is: “We were all drunk at the time.” (You couldn’t live in a good-sized ancient European city without mixing enough alcohol with your water to keep it from doing you in. The Chinese, having tea, made a little more sense now & then.) But mainly, large, greedy, violent organizations had an advantage over groups that wanted to live fun, sensible lives. (In the contemporary situation, where collective greed and violence can readily do in the lot of us, we can recognize that as a dead-end strategy… but God knows if we’ll manage to give it up!)

Anyway, one could almost suffer from bonobo envy… but they don’t have as much fun with our second-favorite organ.

The discussion of the Bonobos (and in my uneducated opinion, but convincing observations) about animals in general having “higher” feelings than is commonly believed, and in fact my personal “opinion” is that ALL living creatures have at least some level of what we call emotions. The witnessing of the Bonobos begging for their life brought me to tears, just as Max (I think it was he who) said. I also simply loved listening to you and your “glass” protected interaction with the Bonobos.

I could tell you many examples, but one was a frog that I actually got a picture of… Maybe it was just curiosity but I talked, slow and calmly and sat without moving (Ironically something my dad taught me) for around 15-20 minutes and he slowly got closer, clearly interested for some reason. In a film type 35mm SLR (single lens reflex) the mirror is very loud and the frog immediately went under the water as soon as I pushed the shutter. Its the mirror in the camera that lifts out of the way so the light can hit the film that makes the noise.

I had an interesting encounter with a rather large black snake a few weeks ago and a very large (4-5ft) timber rattler not long after I moved here, in my front yard. I approached both of them very slowly and at a safe and non-threatening distance and talked calmly the entire time. Both were interesting, and interested or maybe curious or maybe only assessing the situation though the rattle snake took me a few minutes to get over the initial fear that came naturally.

…and just now I’m listening to your conversation with the caller “spencer” and his being in a wheel chair as a reason for not having relationships with women, and Max’s example of Frank Moore was inspirational.

Great show!

Yes Gehmans, Frans de Waal’s Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are is an excellent book, but its not ALL about bonobos. In fact, it doesn’t even include the word “bonobos” in the title. Thus I didn’t reference it when talking about Bonobo Handshake being the only book focused on bonobos published by a major house, besides Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape.

I think this has a lot to say about the human species, who survives and who doesn’t. Human civilization has never rewarded the sensitive and the empathetic, but it’s got lots of supposed goodies for the cruel and barbaric. I look at civilization and wonder why all humans aren’t alcoholic, depressed, insane, . . .

Susan Elizabeth Siens
Unity, Maine

Since the BONOBO is threatened with Extinction we have little time to convey the importance of this Primate species.

Susan, Your Peace Through Pleasure slogan needs Global distribution.

Toward The Future and Peace through Pleasure

Again, many thanks

Jim

John V. Walsh, MD
Professor of Physiology
University of Massachusetts Medical School

p.s. And I plan to buy the book.

Love your work and that you’re so dedicated to spreading pleasure of all kinds. Besos.

Anyway then I noticed the pictures from the show, you all look like human Bonobos. Those are some mighty hot creatures you got running around the studio. I will have to join you one night.

You can call me anytime and let’s talk about this. My number is 213.364.xxxx.

Best Regards Doc…
Charles