The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

The opening chapter describes Montgomery’s first encounter with Athena, the first of several octopuses she writes about in the book. It begins with her visit to Athena’s home at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. Montgomery is accompanied by aquarist Scott Dowd, who introduces her to the two-and-a-half-year-old giant Pacific octopus.

Early in the chapter, Montgomery addresses the image of octopuses in Western culture—that of monsters. From Icelandic folklore of the 13th century to Hollywood horror films of the 20th century, octopuses have been portrayed as demonic and destructive sea creatures. Countering such concepts, Montgomery describes Athena as “beautiful and benign as an angel” (7), though she admits few creatures are as different from humans as an octopus. It has no backbone and its head is between its body and limbs; it can instantly change shape, color, and texture; and 60% of its neurons are in its arms rather than its brain.

Octopuses, we learn, have rather varied personalities, setting themselves apart as individuals. Likewise, they discern different people and show their like or dislike of them, altering their behavior accordingly. Although research has proven this, it remains somewhat controversial, as many scientists are reluctant to allow for animals even having personalities, let alone thoughts or feelings. This is especially true for fish and invertebrates. As a scientist, Montgomery is aware of this and careful not to anthropomorphize animals, but she writes that Athena was leading her to a new way of thinking about this.

Montgomery visits again, this time meeting Athena’s main keeper, Bill, and a longtime volunteer, Wilson Menashi. Wilson is a retired engineer and at the aquarium is tasked with making toys for Athena. Because octopuses are highly inquisitive and easily bored, they need creative and challenging toys. Athena exhibits a relaxed posture and color (white) with Wilson as he feeds her. After the visit, the three, along with Scott Dowd, go out to eat, and the men discuss various octopuses they have known. Shortly after a third visit, several weeks later, Montgomery receives an e-mail with the news that Athena has died. It was sudden—faster than the death of most octopuses—and Montgomery feels a loss for a budding relationship that could not develop. After Athena dies, a new octopus is on the way to the aquarium. Montgomery writes, “At Scott’s invitation, I set out to cross a chasm of half a billion years of evolution. I set out to make an octopus my friend” (29).