"Intelligence on Dathyna had evolved among herbivores." (p. 574)
In one of Larry Niven's Ringworld novels, a carnivore kzin asks a herbivore Puppeteer, "How much intelligence does it take to creep up on a leaf?"
The text of Satan's World continues:
"Though not common, this occurs often enough for certain general principles to be known." (ibid.)
"Though not common, this occurs often enough for certain general principles to be known." (ibid.)
Vegetarian sophonts can have individual violence but not wars or hunting. They are gregarious and socially cohesive.
Next, Poul Anderson does what Jonathan Swift did and what sf writers sometimes do. He comments on his own species through the mouth of a fictional one:
"The Shenna violated every such rule. They killed for sport, they divided their planet into patriarchies, they built weapons and warships, they menaced a neighbor civilization which had never given them offense.... In other words, thought Chee Lan. They act like humans." (ibid.)
We are condemned by a Cynthian commenting on the Shenna.
4 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I happen to be slowly rereading GULLIVER'S TRAVELS, and I recalled how the King of Brobdingnag made similar criticisms of the lilliputian human race.
The cynic in me is more skeptical! I would not be in the least surprised if herbivorous xenosophonts also fought wars. Only by getting out into the galaxy will explorers find out for sure, either way.
Ad astra! Sean
I'd say it's an observation rather than a condemnation.
Anyone who thinks social herbivores are "peaceful" ought to take a look at Cape Buffalo, one of the most dangerous animals in Africa...
Right!
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I did, and Cape Buffalo certainly can be aggressive and bellicose. So the Shenna of SATAN'S WORLD might not be so unlikely. And strictly herbivorous races might also be warlike.
Ad astra! Sean
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