Sy Montgomery

Anthropomorphism is such an interesting concept. It means projecting human thoughts and emotions onto an animal. Which implies that thoughts and feelings belong to humans alone. Of course, if you believe in evolution, or if you believe in the Bible, that's not so. Both evolution and the Bible tell us that we're part of a family.

American Writer

Peter York

Like lots of baby boomers, I was brought up on archaic anthropomorphism. Upstanding Christian dogs. Rabbits with family values. Because the ancient texts and pictures were sacred - Potter, Milne and the rest. Even concerned parents who knew Freud and Jung never saw the contradictions in feeding us on them.

British Journalist

Often used in stories for creativity and humor by giving non-human things human traits.

Literary Device

Some cultures may use anthropomorphism more in folklore and art, reflecting their traditions.

Cultural Dynamics

Recognize when animals or objects are given human traits for artistic purposes, not scientific accuracy.

Creative Misinterpretation

Understand that it's a way to make spiritual beings relatable, so they reflect human feelings.

Theology Context

Religious texts use it to present complex divine concepts in an understandable way.

Relatable Abstracts

Be cautious not to take anthropomorphism literally in religious texts; it's often symbolic.

Avoid Misinterpretation

Be aware of humans projecting their emotions onto animals, which may not be accurate.

Psychology Misconceptions

While helpful in some analyses, it can lead to misjudging animal behavior if overused in psychology.

Avoid Overuse

It allows deeper emotional connections with pets by seeing them as human-like.

Emotional Connection

 But I think that this overworry about anthropomorphism misses a fundamental point. And that is that animals can care very deeply for each other, maybe they even love each other. And when they do, a survivor's heart can be pierced by a death.

Grief and love in the...

 the so-called enemy's perspective and the whole dynamic shift. We are not comfortable with the whole anthropomorphism idea and we try to deliberately avoid it in a lot of our films. We feel that