What is Human ? This question is the title of Chapter 19. In the book; Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.?

Question

Carl Sagan. What is the one feature that seperates us from the animals ? Remember,walking upright isn't it. Many animals already do (Girafe,Elephant,horse,goat etc.), future planning: dogs,monkeys,dolphins,Chimps. Tools-inventions; Chimps, ants. speach; dogs, whales,dolphins. Writing; Some Chimps can learn letters and words. While some people are illiterate. Art; Elephants like to paint, if given a bucket of paint,a canvas and a brush. War; hyenas fight lions. So, what makes us seperate from animals ?

Answer 1

There is no one thing except the fact that we have more of it (smarts, culture, empathy, awareness) than any other creature.

Some scientists say we are the ones with self-awareness (conciousness)and a knowledge of our own mortality and that's what puts us apart but even that's not for sure. We just might have more of it than other animals.

If you're going to say a Soul we are talking about something entirely different. It's like comparing apples and oranges. Even there we can't say for sure whether fido doesn't have some sort of basic soul as well, because he's one of God's creatures too, so - yea - we just got more!

Now my question: "What's the matter with you, why can't you ask something simple instead of what may be the hardest question there is!"

Answer 2

Nothing except the abilty to ask the question.

And FYI...walking upright means on 2 legs, not 4....and some other primates can do it for different lengths of time, but not as a primary means of locomotion, and not with the pelvic structure evolved to accomodate it.

You look less stupid when you try to ask profound questions if you appear to at least have your facts straight.

Answer 3

this maybe