ABSTRACT

Every science, including the study of insects, may have circumscribed limits, but its deeper principles open up new worlds of possibility. Milward uncovers these hidden principles by examining the daily lives and habits of insects. His studies lead him to fascinating speculations, taking the reader into the realms not only of literature, as suggested by the subtitle, but also of philosophy and theology. When Milward discusses what everybody knows about insects and what he has personally observed, he relates insects to human life in general. His insights help us feel a certain fellowship with the insects, or at least with some of the more familiar insects. He does not let us forget that there is an important difference between human beings and insects. Human beings think. It is our ability to think that makes us what we are, but it is thinking that enables us to discover our affinity with insects. "The Secret Life of Insects" does not probe into the hidden lives of insects or treat them as individuals. His main interest is the light insects may throw on our human experience, and the assistance they may lend us as we seek to transcend our human experience. Milward aims at the level of common knowledge. In contrast to entomological scientists, Milward finds shadowy glimpses of hidden meaning in the insect world. These intimations or shadowy glimpses reveal thoughts and possibilities that will extend the human imagination. As a consequence, this work will inspire philosophers, as well as general readers interested in reflecting on the profundity of ordinary life.

chapter 1|5 pages

Ants in Antarctica

chapter 2|5 pages

Bees in the Bonnet

chapter 3|6 pages

A Song for Sentimental Centipedes

chapter 4|5 pages

Such Darling Daddy-Long-Legs

chapter 5|4 pages

Evenings with Earwigs

chapter 6|5 pages

Freedom for Flies!

chapter 7|5 pages

The Grasshopper in Grub Street

chapter 8|5 pages

Little Jack Hornet

chapter 9|6 pages

Jumpers and Junipers

chapter 10|7 pages

The Kat and the Katerpillar

chapter 11|5 pages

My Fair Ladybird

chapter 12|6 pages

Mesmerizing the Mosquito

chapter 13|6 pages

The Gnat is a Nitwit!

chapter 14|5 pages

O for an Oil-Fly!

chapter 15|5 pages

The Problem of the Praying Mantis

chapter 16|5 pages

Queen Bees in Question

chapter 17|5 pages

The Readiness of the Red Admiral

chapter 18|6 pages

I, Spider

chapter 19|4 pages

This Tremendous Termite

chapter 20|5 pages

Uses of the Unicorn

chapter 21|4 pages

Very Venerable Vermin

chapter 22|5 pages

Wee Willie Waspie

chapter 23|5 pages

Sex and Insex

chapter 24|5 pages

ZZZZZZZ

chapter |3 pages

Epilogue Yintimations of Yantomology