The Soul of an Octopus

1. Octopuses possess complex minds, emotions, and individual personalities.

Octopuses are highly individual.

Individual personalities. Octopuses are not simply brainless invertebrates but possess distinct personalities, reflected in the names keepers give them, such as Emily Dickinson (shy) and Leisure Suit Larry (persistent). Keepers recognize that octopuses, like humans, have individual preferences and react differently to various people.

Emotional range. Octopuses exhibit a range of emotions, including excitement (turning red and bumpy), relaxation (turning white), and even boredom (leading to destructive behavior). They can also recognize and respond to human emotions, such as fear or pain.

Intelligence indicators. Octopuses demonstrate intelligence through problem-solving, tool use, and learning. They can quickly learn to open complex locks, dismantle toys, and even recognize individual humans, moving toward feeders and away from irritators.

2. Humans can form deep connections with octopuses, bridging the species gap.

Connecting with other animals is part of the essential and personal process of rewilding and reconnecting with other animals, and The Soul of an Octopus is just what is needed to close the gap.

Breaking down barriers. Despite vast evolutionary differences, humans can form meaningful bonds with octopuses through gentle interaction, observation, and respect. These connections challenge the notion that only humans possess complex emotions and intelligence.

Mutual curiosity. The author's experiences with octopuses like Athena, Octavia, and Kali reveal a mutual curiosity between species. Octopuses seem genuinely interested in humans, tasting them with their suckers and looking them in the face.

Tender moments. The author and her colleagues experience moments of deep connection with octopuses, such as stroking their heads, holding their arms, and sharing food. These interactions evoke feelings of awe, wonder, and even love.

3. Working with octopuses can transform human perspectives and values.

Don’t you feel honored?

Increased compassion. Working with octopuses can foster greater compassion and empathy for other species. Wilson, an octopus volunteer, notes that his experiences have made him gentler and more attuned to the needs of others, including children.

Challenging anthropocentrism. Interacting with octopuses forces humans to question their anthropocentric views of intelligence and consciousness. It becomes clear that other species may possess different but equally valid ways of thinking and feeling.

Shifting priorities. The author's experiences with octopuses lead her to re-evaluate her priorities and values. She becomes more focused on the present moment, more attuned to the natural world, and more appreciative of the interconnectedness of all living things.

4. Octopuses are masters of camouflage, intelligence, and problem-solving.

Mischief and craft are plainly seen to be the characteristics of this creature.

Camouflage abilities. Octopuses possess unparalleled camouflage abilities, changing color, pattern, and texture in fractions of a second to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. This skill is not purely instinctive but requires conscious choice and monitoring.

Problem-solving skills. Octopuses demonstrate remarkable problem-solving skills, figuring out how to open complex locks, dismantle toys, and escape from enclosures. They can also learn from their mistakes and adapt their strategies accordingly.

Tool use. Some octopuses exhibit tool use, carrying around coconut shells for shelter or using rocks to protect their dens. These behaviors suggest a level of cognitive complexity previously thought to be unique to vertebrates.

5. The ocean is a mysterious world filled with wonder and unexpected connections.

They are, he writes, “other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth.”

Unexplored depths. The ocean remains largely unexplored, holding countless mysteries and undiscovered species. The author's experiences with octopuses reveal the vast potential for new discoveries and unexpected connections in the marine world.

Interconnectedness of life. The ocean is a complex ecosystem where all living things are interconnected. Even seemingly simple creatures like sea stars and anemones play important roles in this web of life.

Beauty and strangeness. The ocean is a place of both breathtaking beauty and unsettling strangeness. From the delicate veils of goosefish eggs to the thorny skin of octopuses, the marine world offers a constant source of wonder and awe.

6. Loss and death are integral parts of life, even in the alien world of octopuses.

“Yesterday remains perfect”

Short lifespans. Octopuses have relatively short lifespans, typically living only a few years. This brevity makes their lives all the more precious and underscores the importance of cherishing each moment.

Grief and mourning. The author experiences profound grief upon the death of octopuses like Athena and Kali. These losses highlight the emotional connections that can form between humans and animals, even across vast species differences.

Cycles of life. Death is an integral part of the natural cycle, providing sustenance for other creatures and making way for new life. Even in death, octopuses contribute to the interconnected web of life in the ocean.

7. Understanding animal minds challenges human-centric views of consciousness.

Was it possible, I wondered, to reach another mind on the other side of that divide?

Beyond human exceptionalism. The author's experiences with octopuses challenge the notion that only humans possess consciousness, intelligence, and emotions. They suggest that other species may have different but equally valid ways of experiencing the world.

The hard problem of consciousness. The question of what it is like to be another being, whether a bat or an octopus, remains a profound philosophical challenge. However, the author argues that even if we cannot fully understand another mind, we can still strive to connect with it through empathy and observation.

Expanding the circle of compassion. By recognizing the complexity and sentience of other species, we can expand our circle of compassion and treat all living things with greater respect and care.

8. The desire for freedom and exploration is a universal drive, even for octopuses.

Freedom, Desire, and Escape

The call of the wild. Octopuses, like many animals, possess a strong desire for freedom and exploration. Their attempts to escape from captivity highlight their intelligence, resourcefulness, and longing for a more natural environment.

The lure of the unknown. The ocean is a vast and mysterious realm, offering endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. The author's own desire to explore the ocean mirrors the octopuses' innate drive to seek out new experiences.

The value of autonomy. The ability to make choices and control one's own destiny is essential for well-being. By providing octopuses with opportunities for enrichment and autonomy, we can improve their quality of life in captivity.

9. Even brainless creatures like sea stars can exhibit behaviors that suggest curiosity and desire.

How can a brainless animal “want” anything—much less communicate its desires to another species?

Challenging assumptions. The author's encounters with sea stars challenge the assumption that only animals with brains can experience curiosity, desire, and play. They suggest that even simple creatures may possess a rudimentary form of consciousness.

Beyond the brain. The sea star's ability to communicate its desires to other species, even without a brain, highlights the limitations of our current understanding of animal behavior. It suggests that other forms of intelligence and communication may exist beyond our comprehension.

The interconnectedness of life. The interactions between octopuses and sea stars reveal the complex relationships that exist within marine ecosystems. Even seemingly disparate species can form unexpected connections and influence each other's behavior.

10. The best way to understand another being is through empathy, observation, and respect.

To many, we spoke heresy.

Empathy as a tool. Empathy is essential for understanding the minds and emotions of other species. By putting ourselves in their place, we can gain insights into their motivations, needs, and experiences.

The power of observation. Careful observation is crucial for deciphering animal behavior. By paying attention to subtle cues and patterns, we can learn to interpret their actions and understand their intentions.

Respect for otherness. Recognizing and respecting the otherness of other species is essential for ethical treatment. We must acknowledge that their experiences may be fundamentally different from our own and avoid imposing our human-centric values on them.

Last updated: February 9, 2025