Daniel Quinn

Daniel Quinn

Daniel Quinn (October 11, 1935 – February 17, 2018) was an American author best known for his novel Ishmael, which won the Turner Tomorrow Fellowship Award in 1991. Quinn's work is heavily focused on the environment, the impact of civilization on the planet, and the destiny of humanity, themes that are prevalent throughout his books.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Quinn spent his early life in a variety of locations due to his father's work. He attended Loyola University in Chicago, where he graduated with a degree in English, later pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Vienna. Before becoming a full-time writer, Quinn worked in educational and consumer publishing, including a stint as the editor of the American Dairy Association's magazine.

Ishmael, Quinn's most famous work, is a philosophical novel that explores the mythological underpinnings of Western civilization and challenges the reader to consider humanity's role in the world. The book is presented as a dialogue between a nameless narrator and a telepathic gorilla, Ishmael, who serves as the narrator's mentor. The novel's critical and commercial success led to two sequels, The Story of B and My Ishmael, which further delve into the themes of cultural mythology and sustainability.

Quinn's other notable works include Beyond Civilization, in which he argues for a new understanding of how human societies can organize themselves beyond the hierarchical structures that define modern civilization. His writings advocate for a more sustainable and equitable relationship between humans and the natural world, drawing on a diverse range of disciplines including anthropology, history, and ecology.

Throughout his career, Quinn was a sought-after speaker on environmental and philosophical topics, contributing to various conferences and forums dedicated to sustainability and human ecology. His ideas have influenced the environmental movement and have been integrated into educational curricula focused on ecological and social sustainability.

Quinn's contributions to literature and environmental thought have been recognized with several awards, including the Turner Tomorrow Fellowship Award, which he received for Ishmael. Despite his passing in 2018, his work continues to inspire and provoke thought among readers and activists concerned with the future of humanity and the planet.

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