'Sometimes a single individual changes the world, even if it is a parrot. Together with his tutor, Irene Pepperberg, Alex systematically destroyed the notion the way he destroyed so many other things that all that birds can do is mimic human language. Alex clearly had a mind of his own, and a heart to match, as explained in this touching account of scientific perseverance and mutual attachment. Our notion of what a bird is has forever been changed.'

Vorwort
On 6 September 2007, an African Grey Parrot named Alex died prematurely at 31. His last words to his owner, Irene Pepperberg, were 'You be good. I love you.'

Autorentext

Dr Irene M. Pepperberg is an associate research professor at Brandeis University in Massachusetts and teaches animal cognition at Harvard University. Her work has been featured on television and in newspapers and magazines in the United States and Europe.

Zusammenfassung
Will relentless consumerism end up destroying our planet? Or can science and technology allow us to innovate our way out of trouble? This book invite you to examine the risks and opportunities to come.