John Muir’s Thoughts On The Relationship Between Human Beings And Animals

With the severe threat caused by the global ecological crisis,nature has been in great trouble,so attention to the protection of the environment including wildlife has been increasing.The relationship between humans and animals is also becoming a topic of concern.This thesis explores Muir’ s views on the relationship between humans and animals by analyzing his life and his works.By analyzing the influence of Emerson and Thoreau on John Muir ’s thoughts,John Muir’ s views on the relationship between humans and animals are further discussed.This thesis tries to analyze his great love for animals through his meticulous observations of wild life and domestic animals.Muir opposed anthropocentrism,advocated the harmonious coexistence between humans and animals,and he also claimed that humans should treat all creatures with respect because humans are not superior to other animals.From Muir’s works,we can conclude that he hoped to maintain the diversity of nature with other creatures.Nature brings together all the animals,including humans,to form a colorful picture,and mankind has no privilege to destroy the beauty of these creatures.On the contrary,mankind should protect it from destruction.Muir had a far-reaching impact on the people of the time and now,and he encouraged people to be close to nature and feel the warmth of nature by heart.This thesis first analyzes the origins f Muir’s animal thoughts from three aspects,Muir’s growth environment,the background of his writings and the influence of Emerson and Thoreau’s thoughts.Secondly,the thesis analyzes Muir’s detailed observation of different animals in his work John Muir Among the Animals,and thensummarizes Muir’s views on the relationship between human beings and animals.And finally this thesis discusses the contemporary significance of Muir’s thoughts.