A Protest Against Human Domination over Nature in Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 29, 309 - 326

Sedat Bay , Cengiz Karagöz

https://doi.org/10.33207/trkede.1472073

Abstract

Daniel Quinn’s 1992 novel Ishmael has initiated a profound re-examination of our connection with the natural world and has challenged the prevalent view of human supremacy. This research examines the pivotal insights and themes expounded in Ishmael, shedding light on their implications for our understanding of our position within the ecological community. At the heart of the novel lies Ishmael, a wise gorilla who assumes the role of an unconventional teacher on deeply established convictions about human superiority and the unchecked exploitation of Earth’s resources. Ishmael’s teachings underscore the complex interdependence of all life forms and emphasize the pressing need to listen to the voices of fellow forms in the tapestry of life. This study endeavors to explore the concept of human supremacy, examining its origins and the transformative potential inherent in embracing a more inclusive perspective regarding our bond with nature. It analyses the historical, religious, and cultural factors that have preserved human dominance and the resulting detrimental actions toward the environment generated by these beliefs. Eventually, this research concludes that Ishmael’s message remains relevant and urgent, beckoning us to critically evaluate our values, behaviors, and assumptions. It implores us to actively engage in reshaping our world by challenging prevailing narratives, interrogating societal structures, and adopting sustainable practices.

Keywords

Daniel Quinn, Ishmael, nature, environment, human supremacy

Daniel Quinn’in İsmail Adlı Romanında İnsanın Doğa Üzerindeki Hâkimiyetine Karşı Bir Protesto

Abstract

Daniel Quinn’in romanı Ishmael (İsmail, ilk Türkçe baskı 2012), doğal dünyayla olan bağlantımızın derinlemesine yeniden incelenmesini sağladı ve insanın üstünlüğüne dair yaygın görüşe meydan okudu. Bu araştırma, İsmail’de açıklanan temel anlayışları ve temaları incelemekte ve bunların ekolojik topluluk içindeki konumumuza dair anlamlarına ışık tutmaktadır. Romanın merkezinde, insanın üstünlüğü ve dünya kaynaklarının kontrolsüzce sömürülmesi hakkındaki köklü inançlar konusunda alışılmadık bir öğretmen rolünü üstlenen bilge bir goril olan İsmail yatıyor. İsmail’in öğretileri, tüm yaşam formlarının karmaşık karşılıklı bağımlılığının altını çizer ve yaşamın dokusundaki ortak formların seslerini dinlemenin acil ihtiyacını vurgular. Bu çalışma, insan üstünlüğü kavramını, bu kavramın kökenlerini ve doğayla olan bağımıza ilişkin daha kapsayıcı bir bakış açısı benimsemenin doğasında var olan dönüştürücü potansiyeli incelemeye çalışmaktadır. İnsan egemenliğini koruyan tarihi, dini ve kültürel faktörleri ve bu inançların neden olduğu çevreye yönelik zararlı eylemleri analiz eder. Sonuç olarak bu araştırma, İsmail’in mesajının güncel ve acil olduğu sonucuna vararak bizi değerlerimizi, davranışlarımızı ve varsayımlarımızı eleştirel bir şekilde değerlendirmeye çağırır. Hakim anlatılara meydan okuyarak, toplumsal yapıları sorgulayarak ve sürdürülebilir uygulamaları benimseyerek dünyamızı yeniden şekillendirmeye aktif olarak katılmamız için bizi teşvik eder.

Keywords

Daniel Quinn, İsmail, doğa, çevre, insanın üstünlüğü

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