“Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake – Book Review
“Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake is a thought-provoking examination of the interconnectedness of all life on earth, exploring the critical role of fungi and their relationships with other organisms in shaping the natural world.
Check it out on Amazon, or my personal favorite, Bookshop.org.
Table of contents
Why did I read “Entangled Life”?
“Entangled Life” was gifted to me by my brother-in-law and his wife for my birthday a year back. I guess they know me quite well as I have a deep fascination with fungi and the interconnectedness of things in our life and “Entangled Life” is a beautiful amalgamation of the two topics. One could say, as Merlin Sheldrake implies quite often in the book, fungi and the interconnectedness of life are one and the same.
3 Main Takeaways
- The Importance of Fungi in the Natural World: “Entangled Life” highlights the critical role that fungi play in the relationships between different forms of life, including plants, animals, and bacteria. Fungi are involved in the exchange of nutrients and signals, the decomposition of organic matter, and the formation of symbiotic relationships that support the survival and evolution of many species.
- A Systems Perspective on Life: The book encourages readers to adopt a systems perspective in thinking about life, rather than thinking of organisms as isolated individuals. It explains how the relationships between different life forms can create complex systems that function in ways that cannot be easily understood or explained by studying individual components.
- Challenging Our Conceptions of Intelligence: Fungi also challenge conventional notions of intelligence and problem-solving. Despite not having a brain or central nervous system, fungi can adapt to new environments, communicate with each other, and make decisions based on circumstances, leading the author to argue that intelligence is not limited to organisms with centralized nervous systems.
General Overview
“Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the interconnectedness of all living things. Sheldrake, a biologist, and researcher delves into the world of mycelium and its role in shaping ecosystems and facilitating communication and cooperation among organisms. The book is filled with intriguing scientific insights and is written in an accessible and engaging style that makes it a pleasure to read.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to convey the complexity and wonder of the natural world in a way that is both scientifically rigorous and emotionally resonant. Sheldrake’s descriptions of the underground networks of mycelium and the ways in which they connect and support different species are particularly captivating.
Another strength of the book is its exploration of the ethical and philosophical implications of the interconnectedness of all life. Sheldrake raises important questions about our relationship with the natural world and the responsibilities that come with being a part of it.
Topics That Caught My Eye
A topic that is very relevant to our times, Sheldrake touches upon the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain “magic mushrooms.” He highlights the potential for these mushrooms to rewire the neural pathways in the brain, leading to a reduction in depression, anxiety, and addiction, and potentially even inspiring creativity and problem-solving. This is an intriguing and growing area of research, and Mr. Sheldrake does a great job of explaining the science behind it in a way that is accessible to the reader.
The author also highlights the role of fungi in environmental conservation. He mentions how certain species of fungi can be used to break down toxic waste and transform it into organic matter. Additionally, the use of fungal-based materials like leather and wood replacements could reduce the need for animal hides and deforestation.
Moreover, the author also explores the relationship between fungi and bees. Some fungi species are known to increase the populations of bees and other pollinators, which could help conserve these important insects and the ecosystems they support. The author sheds light on the potential of fungi to play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of environmental degradation and preserving our planet.
Who Should Read “Entangled Life”?
“Entangled Life” by Rupert Sheldrake is recommended for those who are interested in learning about the role of fungi in the natural world and their impact on the relationships between different forms of life. It can be especially appealing to those with a background in biology, ecology, or environmental science.
Additionally, readers who are interested in the philosophical questions surrounding intelligence and consciousness may also enjoy the book. The book is also written in a way that is accessible to a general audience, so those with a general interest in natural science and ecology may also find it to be a fascinating read.
My Top 3 Quotes
1. “A mycelial network is a map of a fungus’s recent history and is a helpful reminder that all life-forms are in fact processes not things. The “you” of five years ago was made from different stuff than the “you” of today. Nature is an event that never stops.”
Merlin Sheldrake, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures
2. “Fungi make worlds. They also unmake them. There are lots of ways to catch them in the act. When you cook mushroom soup, or just eat it. When you go out gathering mushrooms, or buy them. When you ferment alcohol, plant a plant, or just bury your hands in the soil; and whether you let a fungus into your mind, or marvel at the way that it might enter the mind of another. Whether you’re cured by a fungus, or watch it cure someone else; whether you build your home from fungi, or start growing mushrooms in your home, fungi will catch you in the act. If you’re alive, they already have.”
Merlin Sheldrake, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures
3. “Anthropomorphism is usually thought of as an illusion that arises like a blister in soft human minds: untrained, undisciplined, unhardened. There are good reasons for this: when we humanise the world, we may prevent ourselves from understanding the lives of other organisms on their own terms. But are there things this stance might lead us to pass over – or forget to notice?”
Merlin Sheldrake, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures
Final Thoughts on “Entangled Life”
“Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake provides a fascinating look at the role fungi play in relationships between different forms of life. It challenges our conventional perspectives on intelligence, decision-making, and communication, and highlights the interconnectedness of life on earth. The book is a mixture of science and storytelling, making it accessible and enjoyable to both scientists and general readers. Overall, “Entangled Life” is a must-read for anyone interested in the complex and intricate relationships that exist in nature and the role fungi play in these relationships.
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You can find “Entangled Life” on Amazon, or my personal favorite, Bookshop.org!
