Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does Schutt’s discussion of cannibalism fit into the popular science genre? How does it compare to books such as Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari?

2. How did the title of the book make you feel? Did it seem controversial?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. How did Schutt’s discussion of cannibalism in nature make you feel? Did it seem different to discussions of cannibalism among humans?

2. Schutt discusses the role of media sensationalism in the discussion of topics like cannibalism. Have you ever encountered this in your experience with the media?

3. How does Schutt use cannibalism to create points of comparison between different types of societies?

4. Do you agree with Schutt that the taboo against cannibalism should be taken apart?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Schutt discusses the impact of colonialism in the Americas, as well as its ramifications in the current era. How does cannibalism play a role in the modern discussions of colonialism?

2. Schutt is a modern scientist, looking back at the entire human history of culture and discussion.