Recently I discussed what sets humans apart from other animals and species. The basic question, which has been kicked around for centuries is what makes man so unique? So, different than the other species we see? Many immediately take their religious doctrine and use it to answer the question; they say things like "God made us in his image." The animals were put here for us to use, eat, fish and etc; they are indeed here to serve man? After kicking around such notions which cannot be proved either way; a gentleman, David, came up with an interesting concept.
Of course he too borrowed the concept from his readings and learnings and made it part of his belief system. Here is how it goes; "empathy is what sets us apart" basically that is it. Here is David's longer version:
"Empathy: If anything, the ability to see from another's perspective is what sets humans apart from the rest of the animals. It is the basis of many of the qualities that we hold in highest regard: kindness, charity, mercy, welfare, forgiveness. Far from being irrational, empathy confers a distinct advantage in any social situation. It provides a foundation for promises, contracts, and deals. To a large extent it is the glue that binds society."
I completely had to reject this and although I was polite; obviously not wanting any coffee spilled on my face here is why and where I differ and my basis for such. Although you might be able to give other examples such as a dog going over to a child who fell off his skateboard and licking his face or some such event you observed. I have a more compelling argument against David's notion: Actually chimpanzees that have been taught sign language have empathy too and from the other human's perspective. In fact this has been well documented by a Washington State research facility. A woman who was pregnant came to work everyday with the Chimps. Then one day she was missing for about a week, she had miss carried and then her stomach was small again, the Chimp asked what happened in sign language and where is the baby? The woman told her back, "it died" the chimp started to cry and hug that lady and said it was "sooo sorry' in sign language?
So in fact empathy is not only a human trait, David will need to try again. As matter of fact, I am still unconvinced for sure humans are that special in anything really. And on further study of other known earth species, I cannot come up with one single difference that sets humans apart. Think on this; let me know if you come up with something.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs
Mercedes Benz s500 rentals Salem ..From time to time, we wonder about the mystery that... Read More
The Luciferians are the inner cabal of the Vatican according... Read More
Is there life ( extraterrestrial life or any other form... Read More
CROP CIRCLES:The Learning Channel (August 7, 2003) just had a... Read More
Recent DNA analyses have revealed that humans share a majority... Read More
Desiring to get the most out of life, life's lovers... Read More
"[I often get] the feeling that the very concept of... Read More
Our thoughts do not take leave of absence.They are actually... Read More
DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY (ARCHETYPES): - "All material bodies are condensations of... Read More
FATHER PIERRE TEILHARD de CHARDIN:He is one of my heroes... Read More
There is a large contingency of people who believe in... Read More
Every kind of nudity is an abstraction. A man without... Read More
Eckhart Tolle lived upto his twenty ninth year in a... Read More
I really believe there are things nobody would see if... Read More
ALBERT EINSTEIN: - "I am satisfied with the Mysteries of... Read More
The CIA's motto is "You shall know the truth and... Read More
INTRODUCTION:Yeshua bar Joseph or Yeshua ben Joseph has become known... Read More
We are most probably not the only beings in the... Read More
The Templar flag Columbus and da Gama traveled under was... Read More
Animus Mundi:The World Mind or Critical Mass of intellectual and... Read More
A book called the Seven Daughters of Eve by Richard... Read More
Tai Chi, The Great Ultimate, was found earliest in the... Read More
In eastern Cultures the passing of thought was considered valuable,... Read More
I'll admit that I used to be jealous of my... Read More
There is no God.Belief is a stray sentiment; it functions... Read More
Dowagiac cheap limo service ..Nature is often called "red in tooth and claw", this... Read More
Isn't it amazing how often you're wrong? I mean that... Read More
DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY (ARCHETYPES): - "All material bodies are condensations of... Read More
All of it in one way or another a part... Read More
EARTH ENERGY GRID: - Sedona, Arizona is not only my... Read More
This morning, I awoke somewhat down. As little seems to... Read More
"[I often get] the feeling that the very concept of... Read More
There is a large contingency of people who believe in... Read More
NATURE WORSHIP: - Wicca and witchcraft or other shamanic attunements... Read More
The easiest way to gain enemies is to disrespect people.... Read More
Desiring to get the most out of life, life's lovers... Read More
Let us now pessimistically endeavour to communication the sentient of... Read More
The CON in CONstructs:There are many esoteric wisdom schools and... Read More
And there will be many 'experts' who say that light... Read More
The Templar flag Columbus and da Gama traveled under was... Read More
Every kind of nudity is an abstraction. A man without... Read More
Up until the start of the 20th Century there was... Read More
To start this chapter we have a response from the... Read More
ALFRED LEE LOOMIS:Privilege sometimes leads to productivity and creativity through... Read More
Within the confines of the known universe, a madness is... Read More
INSPIRATIONAL COMMENTS:"There is a principle which is a bar against... Read More
From time to time, we wonder about the mystery that... Read More
As I look back now, a long time seems to... Read More
In eastern Cultures the passing of thought was considered valuable,... Read More
INTRODUCTION:Yeshua bar Joseph or Yeshua ben Joseph has become known... Read More
Philosophy |