Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? book cover

Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal Summary

Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?
Frans de Waal
3.97 (16262 Reviews)
Science
Psychology
Education

Primatologist Frans de Waal's bestseller challenges our human-centric view of intelligence. Featuring elephants recognizing languages and octopuses using tools, this award-winning exploration asks: Are we measuring animal cognition all wrong? Tricia Wang calls it revolutionary for evolutionary understanding.

About the author

Frans de Waal (1948–2024) was a world-renowned primatologist and *New York Times* bestselling author of *Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?*, a groundbreaking exploration of animal cognition and intelligence. A Dutch-American ethologist and professor at Emory University’s Yerkes National Primate Research Center, de Waal revolutionized understanding of primate behavior through decades of research on chimpanzees, bonobos, and capuchin monkeys. His work bridged biology and psychology, examining themes of empathy, morality, and social dynamics across species. Known for accessible science writing, de Waal authored 16 translated books, including *Chimpanzee Politics* (required reading for U.S. politicians) and *Mama’s Last Hug*, which popularized animal emotion studies. His TED Talks on primate behavior have garnered millions of views, while his research appeared in *Science*, *Nature*, and *Scientific American*. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, de Waal received the NAT Award for advancing public understanding of evolutionary biology. Translated into 20 languages, *Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?* cemented his legacy as one of the most influential science communicators of the 21st century.

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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comments12
likes117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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@Jaded_Falcon
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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