My Octopus Teacher – The Love Story We Needed

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Reading Time: 2 min

Remember you are wild.

This documentary by Craig Foster recounts an unbelievable tale of a free diver falling head over heels for a wild octopus in the mesmerizing kelp forests of South Africa. I have to admit this documentary hits home. It reminds us that we are part of nature too, we can blend in, we can understand it, but most of all we can empathize with it.

Octopi have similar levels of intellect as cats and dogs, often they are dubbed as “alien” due to their distinct form of intelligence—most of their nervous system is spread out across their tentacles and they have 3 hearts! Their curious and playful ways resemble any loyal companion, whereas their deceit and cunning make them master escapists and intrepid hunters.

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Craig’s commitment and fascination with the octopus truly engross you, bringing you ever so closesly to your wild side. This seemingly simple documentary stirrs deep existential questions. What truly makes us happy? When you’re diving aimlessly underwater you feel a sense of peace and awe. When you’re perched on the side of the mountain, stress leaves you and you enter a meditative mode. When a wild octopus trusts you, you feel like you belong. Is that real happiness?

Few are the lucky people who have had close wild encounters, and even less are those who win a wild animal’s full acceptance. Craig successfully reminds us of the simplicity of life, of the ease of pure natural joy.

It’s time we all got in touch with our wild side.

I could not recommend this documentary more! Find it on Netflix

If you want to learn more about this awesome species I recommend reading “Other Minds” by Peter Godfrey-Smith as well and delving into Craig’s NGO Sea Change Project.

By: Isabella Cavalletti

Netflix is going green, sets target net zero by 2022

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