Technology and animals often serve as the boundaries by which we define the human. In this issue contributors explore these categories as necessary supplements or as porous membranes which disturb the scaffolding of how the human is constructed. A lingering question throughout is whether we have ever been human or if such a category is a non-localizable ideal or perhaps a misnomer. In this collection of essays, internationally known theorists muddle the categorical boundaries such that animals and technologies become necessary components rather than limits for what it means to be human. They examine a range of subjects, including apophatic animality, critical media objects-to-think-with, biosemiotic insect resonances, the monstrous and horrific which dislodges our cultural animals, and the problem of thinking of animality as stupidity. Novels, films, digital objects, scientific laboratories, philosophical texts, animals on the road and in the fields serve as sites for inquiry. The result of these investigations is the spectral possibility that we are not the humans we make ourselves out to be. This book was originally published as a special issue of Angelaki.

Technology and animals often serve as the boundaries by which we define the human. In this issue contributors explore these categories as necessary supplements or as porous membranes which disturb the scaffolding of how the human is constructed. A lingering question throughout is whether we have ever been human or if such a category is a non-localizable ideal or perhaps a misnomer. In this collection of essays, internationally known theorists muddle the categorical boundaries such that animals and technologies become necessary components rather than limits for what it means to be human. They examine a range of subjects, including apophatic animality, critical media objects-to-think-with, biosemiotic insect resonances, the monstrous and horrific which dislodges our cultural animals, and the problem of thinking of animality as stupidity. Novels, films, digital objects, scientific laboratories, philosophical texts, animals on the road and in the fields serve as sites for inquiry. The result of these investigations is the spectral possibility that we are not the humans we make ourselves out to be. This book was originally published as a special issue of Angelaki.

Retold as an entertaining and readable story, this chronicle of Confucius' travels brings a new perspective to the teachings of this ancient sage. Reading about the life of Confucius—the renowned Chinese philosopher—never seems old-fashioned, even in this era of constant change. For millennia his philosophy and teachings have deeply influenced the lives and politics of people in China and many other countries in Asia. What led to his great fame? What lay inside his mind? What is the Great Way, and why did Confucius devote his entire life to it? Touched by Confucius' persistence and faith even after numerous failures, the author, Mr. Qian Ning, was inspired to depict Confucius' life story in modern style while basing the story strictly on credible ancient sources. The book chronicles Confucius frustrated travels and meetings with the dukes of various states and introduces Confucius' political philosophy, his rumination on education, and his theory of the junzi (a morally superior individual). As readers follow Confucius' footsteps through the book, an intimate portrait of Confucius emerges, helping readers understand the sage in a new light, as a real man of flesh and blood. At the same time, readers will learn about one of the most tumultuous, thrilling periods of Chinese history, the warring States era, during which ancient Chinese philosophy was born.