The Secret Life of Insects
Subtitle: an Entomological Alphabet
By: Peter Milward
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2017
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 154
ISBN-13: 9781315134826
Subjects: Insects in literature; Insects in the Bible; Insects; Symbolic aspects; Behavior; Insectes dans la littérature; Insectes; Aspect symbolique; Mœurs et comportement
Description: "Every science, including the study of insects, may have circumscribed limits, but its deeper principles open up new worlds of possibility. Milward uncovers these hidden principles by examining the daily lives and habits of insects. His studies lead him to fascinating speculations, taking the reader into the realms not only of literature, as suggested by the subtitle, but also of philosophy and theology. When Milward discusses what everybody knows about insects and what he has personally observed, he relates insects to human life in general. His insights help us feel a certain fellowship with the insects, or at least with some of the more familiar insects. He does not let us forget that there is an important difference between human beings and insects. Human beings think. It is our ability to think that makes us what we are, but it is thinking that enables us to discover our affinity with insects. "The Secret Life of Insects" does not probe into the hidden lives of insects or treat them as individuals. His main interest is the light insects may throw on our human experience, and the assistance they may lend us as we seek to transcend our human experience. Milward aims at the level of common knowledge. In contrast to entomological scientists, Milward finds shadowy glimpses of hidden meaning in the insect world. These intimations or shadowy glimpses reveal thoughts and possibilities that will extend the human imagination. As a consequence, this work will inspire philosophers, as well as general readers interested in reflecting on the profundity of ordinary life."--Provided by publisher.
Table of contents: title: Chapter 1 Ants in Antarctica; title: chapter 2 Bees in the Bonnet; title: chapter 3 A Song for Sentimental Centipedes; title: chapter 4 Such Darling Daddy-Long-Legs; title: chapter 5 Evenings with Earwigs; title: chapter 6 Freedom for Flies!; title: chapter 7 The Grasshopper in Grub Street; title: chapter 8 Little Jack Hornet; title: chapter 9 Jumpers and Junipers; title: chapter 10 The Kat and the Katerpillar; title: chapter 11 My Fair Ladybird; title: chapter 12 Mesmerizing the Mosquito; title: chapter 13 The Gnat is a Nitwit!; title: chapter 14 O for an Oil-Fly!; title: chapter 15 The Problem of the Praying Mantis; title: chapter 16 Queen Bees in Question; title: chapter 17 The Readiness of the Red Admiral; title: chapter 18 I, Spider; title: chapter 19 This Tremendous Termite; title: chapter 20 Uses of the Unicorn; title: chapter 21 Very Venerable Vermin; title: chapter 22 Wee Willie Waspie; title: chapter 23 Sex and Insex; title: chapter 24 ZZZZZZZ.