2006-10-06 11:24:07 · 14 answers · asked by Selane ® 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The fact that an owl could spot, remember and execute the flight route through a patch of dense forest in total darkness would make you think they have something special in there. (Smarter than some dumb driver with a cell phone stuck to one ear and one hand, trying to navigate on the street, that's for sure...)
2006-10-06 11:50:09 · answer #1 · answered by : ) 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Whether delivering an environmental message, correcting the spelling of a famous bear, or sailing away with a beauteous kitty, owls have quite a hold on our imaginations. But how did they garner such a reputation for intelligence?
Owls are nocturnal birds and function extremely well at night. Their ability to see in the dark has elevated owls, in some cultures, to manifestations of wisdom. In Western folklore, owls are commonly associated with studious scholars and wise elders.
Perhaps the earliest known link between owls and wisdom is their association with Athena. The Greek goddess of wisdom is often depicted holding an owl.
Because of their close kinship with the night, owls are also associated with magic and witchcraft. Merlin was known to have an owl, and in the Harry Potter series, young wizards communicate by owl messengers instead of instant messengers.
Some have viewed owls as manifestations of a more sinister darkness. Ancient Romans believed the screech of an owl foretold death and that witches transformed into owls and sucked the blood from babies. Many other cultures share these fearful views.
Almost every culture has either a positive or negative belief about the bird. This compelling link with human folklore makes some conservationists hopeful that endangered owls can be protected -- because humans really do give a hoot.
2006-10-06 11:32:00 · answer #2 · answered by ☺☻♥♪♫♣♠ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, if a little tiny Spotted Owl can defeat the entire logging industry in Oregon, and save it's home, without spending a nickel, they aren't only smart, but very wise. you agree? --Rat Ans.: they listen to grandpa. Anyway, what do those humans know? Catch me if you can, -- Rat
2006-10-06 11:47:49 · answer #3 · answered by Raptor 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The fact they look like they eyes are extremely wide open, a facial expression the ancient Greek associated with intense thinking
2006-10-06 11:26:57 · answer #4 · answered by Svartalf 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Greatest question on Yahoo Answers.
2006-10-06 14:27:07 · answer #5 · answered by almostdead 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Their nocturnal nature. All wise people come out at night.
2006-10-06 11:56:26 · answer #6 · answered by Paley Pale 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, maybe because they just sit by and watch as people and animals make mistakes "they" don't ever make. They are basically quite creatures, which means they hear a lot that we & animals don't. Of course they don't repeat what they hear, they simply "learn" from it.
Whoooooooooooooooooo?
2006-10-06 14:08:40 · answer #7 · answered by Republican!!! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact that they how licks it takes to get the center of a Tootsie pop
2006-10-06 11:32:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They see no evil, hear no evil, and have the fortunate ability to speak no evil!!!That is wisdom, man!!!
2006-10-06 12:18:42 · answer #9 · answered by Garnet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have no evidence that they are wise butt hey are frickin creepy
2006-10-06 11:33:09 · answer #10 · answered by melissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋