ABSTRACT
Finally, I discuss how we can learn to have better conversations with human and more-than-human others through an exploration of the different roles of silence, and the importance of listening, in multispecies politics. While certain forms of (non-invasive) ethological and biological research, as well as artistic experiment, can play a role in improving interactions with nonhumans such as animals and plants, the most important task for humans in our age is to take a step back and listen. We should invite others to speak out in existing debates and deliberation about our common life-worlds and habitats, but also let them determine if they want to speak with us at all, and be responsive to their resistance and refusal, as well as possible invitation. Learning to speak better with others – human or nonhuman – begins with listening. In the case of individuals, but also for societies, learning to listen better is not just an ethical but also a political task.
