Towards Freedom

Peter Godfrey-Smith's recent article in The Guardian explores his experiences with a "near-vegan" diet and the ethical implications of animal consumption. He reflects on the challenges of adhering to a fully plant-based diet, suggesting alternatives like humanely farmed meat, wild-caught fish, and conventionally farmed dairy as potential compromises for those concerned about animal welfare but unable to maintain strict veganism[1].

Godfrey-Smith, a professor focused on animal consciousness, grapples with the cognitive dissonance surrounding dietary choices. He acknowledges that while some may argue for humane farming practices, the fundamental act of killing animals remains ethically contentious. He raises questions about societal speciesism, highlighting that the treatment of animals considered pets versus those raised for food reflects deep-seated biases[1].

Critics argue that Godfrey-Smith's reasoning lacks coherence, particularly when he suggests that humane treatment justifies continued consumption. They emphasize that regardless of farming methods, the end result is still death for the animals involved. The article also critiques the notion that fishing practices are acceptable based on historical precedent, asserting that modern ethical standards should not be dictated by ancestral behaviors[1].

In terms of health, Godfrey-Smith reports negative experiences with his diet, which included fish oil supplements rather than being strictly vegan. This raises questions about the adequacy of his dietary planning and whether his symptoms were related to dietary changes or other factors like illness[1].

Ultimately, the article concludes that for those motivated by ethical concerns regarding animal welfare, true alignment with these values necessitates a commitment to veganism, as any compromise fails to address the core issues at stake[1].

[1] [](https://plantbasednews.org/opinion/opinion-piece/vegan-diet-ethical-alternative/)

The article discusses various examples of animal cooperation and mutualistic relationships in nature, challenging the common perception of the animal kingdom as purely competitive and ruthless. Here are some key points:

There are three main types of symbiotic relationships:

1. Commensalistic: One species benefits while the other is unaffected
2. Parasitic: One species benefits at the expense of the other
3. Mutualistic: Both species benefit from the interaction

Coral Grouper and Moray Eel Coral groupers recruit moray eels to help them hunt by using specific body movements to communicate[1]. The grouper signals the eel to follow and then indicates the location of hidden prey. This collaboration increases hunting success rates for both species.

Coyote and Badger Coyotes and badgers work together to hunt ground squirrels and prairie dogs[1]. The badger digs into burrows while the coyote waits at the exit, covering all escape routes. This teamwork improves hunting success for both animals.

Tarantula and Dotted Humming Frog Tarantulas allow dotted humming frogs to live in their burrows[1]. The frog gains protection from predators, while the tarantula's eggs are protected from ants, which the frogs eat. This mutually beneficial relationship ensures the safety of both species.

Pistol Shrimp and Goby Pistol shrimp and gobies form a lifelong partnership[1]. The shrimp builds and maintains burrows, while the goby acts as a lookout due to its superior eyesight. This collaboration provides safety and shelter for both species.

The article also mentions several instances of animals helping other species without apparent benefit:

• An Indian rhesus monkey adopting and caring for a homeless puppy
• A Bornean orangutan rescuing a drowning bird
• A bear saving a drowning crow
• Humpback whales defending smaller fish from orcas

These interactions demonstrate that animal behavior can sometimes extend beyond simple survival instincts, showing compassion or altruism across species lines[1].

While competition and violence exist in nature, the animal kingdom also exhibits numerous examples of cooperation and mutualism[1]. These relationships highlight the similarities between animals and humans, demonstrating that different species can work together for mutual benefit or even act altruistically.

[1] [](https://sentientmedia.org/animals-can-work-together/) [2] [Animals Can Work Together, and Here Are a Few Notable Examples](https://sentientmedia.org/animals-can-work-together/)

The article discusses various examples of animal cooperation and mutualistic relationships in nature, challenging the common perception of the animal kingdom as purely competitive and ruthless. Here are some key points:

There are three main types of symbiotic relationships:

1. Commensalistic: One species benefits while the other is unaffected
2. Parasitic: One species benefits at the expense of the other
3. Mutualistic: Both species benefit from the interaction

Coral Grouper and Moray Eel Coral groupers recruit moray eels to help them hunt by using specific body movements to communicate[1]. The grouper signals the eel to follow and then indicates the location of hidden prey. This collaboration increases hunting success rates for both species.

Coyote and Badger Coyotes and badgers work together to hunt ground squirrels and prairie dogs[1]. The badger digs into burrows while the coyote waits at the exit, covering all escape routes. This teamwork improves hunting success for both animals.

Tarantula and Dotted Humming Frog Tarantulas allow dotted humming frogs to live in their burrows[1]. The frog gains protection from predators, while the tarantula's eggs are protected from ants, which the frogs eat. This mutually beneficial relationship ensures the safety of both species.

Pistol Shrimp and Goby Pistol shrimp and gobies form a lifelong partnership[1]. The shrimp builds and maintains burrows, while the goby acts as a lookout due to its superior eyesight. This collaboration provides safety and shelter for both species.

The article also mentions several instances of animals helping other species without apparent benefit:

• An Indian rhesus monkey adopting and caring for a homeless puppy
• A Bornean orangutan rescuing a drowning bird
• A bear saving a drowning crow
• Humpback whales defending smaller fish from orcas

These interactions demonstrate that animal behavior can sometimes extend beyond simple survival instincts, showing compassion or altruism across species lines[1].

While competition and violence exist in nature, the animal kingdom also exhibits numerous examples of cooperation and mutualism[1]. These relationships highlight the similarities between animals and humans, demonstrating that different species can work together for mutual benefit or even act altruistically.

[1] [](https://sentientmedia.org/animals-can-work-together/) [2] [Animals Can Work Together, and Here Are a Few Notable Examples](https://sentientmedia.org/animals-can-work-together/) —

Here are several examples of mutualistic relationships between animals, highlighting the diverse ways in which different species benefit from each other:

Oxpeckers, a type of bird, land on rhinos or zebras and eat ticks, flies, and other parasites from their skin. The oxpeckers gain food, while the rhinos and zebras receive pest control and warning calls from the oxpeckers when predators are near[2][4][5].

Clownfish live within the protective tentacles of sea anemones, which are poisonous to most other fish. The clownfish clean the anemone's tentacles, keeping them free from parasites and luring prey within the anemone's reach. In return, the anemone provides the clownfish with protection from predators[3][4][5].

Pistol shrimp and gobies form a mutualistic relationship where the shrimp maintains and digs burrows, while the goby, with its better vision, acts as a lookout for predators. The goby alerts the shrimp to danger, and in return, the shrimp provides the goby with a safe place to live[1][3][4].

Termites have intestinal flagellates that help digest the cellulose in wood, which the termites consume. The flagellates get a meal, and the termites benefit from the digestion of their food. This is an example of obligate mutualism, where neither species can survive without the other[3][5][6].

Acacia ants live in the thorns of the bullhorn acacia tree and receive food and shelter. In return, the ants protect the tree from browsing animals and other herbivores. This is another example of obligate mutualism[5].

Hermit crabs attach sea anemones to their shells, which serve as bodyguards, protecting the crabs from predators with their barbed tentacles. The anemones benefit from the free ride across the seabed provided by the hermit crabs[1].

The tarantula allows the frog to live in its burrow, providing the frog with protection from predators. In return, the frog eats carnivorous ants that threaten the tarantula's eggs[1].

Drongos act as lookouts for meerkats, warning them of predators. While the drongos sometimes exploit this relationship by raising false alarms to steal food from fleeing meerkats, the primary benefit is mutual, with meerkats gaining protection and drongos often receiving genuine warnings and occasional food[1].

Pilot fish swim alongside sharks, cleaning parasites and food fragments from the shark's teeth and skin. In return, the pilot fish receive protection from other predators[1].

Coyotes and badgers hunt together, with the badger digging into burrows and the coyote waiting outside to catch fleeing prey. This cooperation increases the hunting success for both species[1].

Spider crabs have algae living on their backs, which provides camouflage, protecting the crabs from predators. The algae benefit from a stable and protected environment to live and grow[3][5].

These examples illustrate the varied and often intricate ways in which different animal species can benefit from each other through mutualistic relationships.

[1] [6 Surprising Symbiotic Relationships - Wildlife Woods](https://wildlifewoods.net/blog/2018/8/23/6-surprising-symbiotic-relationships) [2] [Mutualistic Relationships - New England Complex Systems Institute](https://necsi.edu/mutualistic-relationships) [3] [10 Mutualism Examples - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRn62gtgntY) [4] [Mutualism: Symbiotic Relationships - ThoughtCo](https://www.thoughtco.com/mutualism-symbiotic-relationships-4109634) [5] [Mutualism | Types, Examples, & Facts - Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/science/mutualism-biology) [6] [Symbiotic relationships in ecology - Wild Earth Lab](https://wildearthlab.com/2022/09/28/symbiotic-relationships/) [7] [mutualistic symbiotic relationship - Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/mutualism-examples-of-species-that-work-together.html) [8] [Mutualism (biology) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutualism_(biology))