In The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-than-Human World, David Abram explores the deep connection between humans and the natural world, focusing on how sensory perception and the rise of alphabetic literacy have shaped this relationship.

Abram begins by examining a pre-literate world where oral traditions—stories, songs, and rituals—fostered a profound sense of belonging and reciprocal engagement with the earth, plants, animals, and other natural elements. He argues that in this era, humans felt closely connected to the natural world.

However, with the advent of written language, Abram suggests that a shift occurred. As literacy became dominant, humans began to view themselves as separate from nature, which led to a growing disconnection from the living, animate earth. This disconnection, Abram contends, has profoundly affected our ecological consciousness.

Drawing on fields like anthropology, philosophy, ecology, and folklore, Abram integrates insights from thinkers like Maurice Merleau-Ponty and indigenous practices such as Balinese shamanism and Apache storytelling. Through these perspectives, he urges readers to reconsider their place within the web of life, emphasizing the importance of sensory perception and a deep ecological consciousness.

The Spell of the Sensuous challenges us to reconnect with the natural world, reawakening our senses and understanding the interdependence of all life.