Side by side an elephant lives as long and can kill a human easily. Does this make the elephant mankind's equal? Can one say a human is "better"?
2006-12-29 05:15:41 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
In your question, you've used two terms... "equal" and "better". These terms are relative. (i.e. Equal or better in what way?) Example: If a poor man can run faster than a rich man... which one is better? Based on speed, the poor man, but based on wealth, the rich man. But, is either man better than the other, or are they just equal? When it comes to differences with human ethnicity, I believe we can all agree that we are "equal". But when we speak of equality between humans and non-humans, "Humans" usually consider themselves to be superior. I wonder what an elephant would think? I believe the answer to this question can vary depending on a person's point of view. At one extreme, some people believe that humans are superior to all other creatures. On the other extreme, some people believe that all living things, including plants, are equal. Elephants can live to well beyond 100 years of age. They can also lift more, eat more, they're much bigger, and as you said, they can easily kill a human. Does that make elephants better? Humans on the other hand, can capture an elephant, kill an elephant (with a gun), train an elephant, feed an elephant, and build buildings to house an elephant. Does that make humans better? Who should decide this? We humans have the special talent to learn, explore and discover. Sometimes we use this knowledge to harm. You would think that we would be smarter than that. Personally, I believe first and foremost that we should be good stewards to the environment. We should respect all living things and do what it takes to reduce pain and suffering and to promote enjoyment, long life, and goodwill. It is only then, when we truly believe we are all "equal", do I believe we can consider ourselves "better".
2006-12-29 06:04:00 · answer #1 · answered by Steve A 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
and to just add to the incredible ability of elephants-
They also communicate with eachother through vibrations through the earth by stomping on the grounds, which they can feel up to 25 miles.
Elephants and all animals, other than human beings are on a level that humans have lost sight of. We humans are the ERROR of the earth. our intelligence has caused SERIOUS problems.
2006-12-29 06:23:30 · answer #2 · answered by MtealeyeA 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Elephants are amazing creatures, they mate for life, they go to burial grounds when one of them dies, they mourn their dead, they have a memory that is probably much better than most humans and they are kind and gentle unless abused or provoked. They stay with their babies for two years, at least I believe and families and groups stay together and protect and help each other, if one is old or sick, they haelp them along. It is amazing to see. May not have it around to see if we aren't more careful. So, no they aren't our equals, they are probably better than us in a lot of ways, they love and care for each other regardless. Humans judge and think of ourselves a lot. They aren't capable of many, many of the things we do so they aren't equal in a lot of ways either. Only humans can destroy the environment on purpose and harm the earth in such a way that we have and still are...so equal isn't always better right?
2006-12-29 05:24:51 · answer #3 · answered by MISS-MARY 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess that makes sense. Elephants are near extinction while the human population is way over crowded. Elephants are in the hundreds while humans are near billions.
2016-03-28 23:50:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you're talking about. In terms of intelligence, humans still win, even though elephants are very smart. In terms of strength, elephants beat us easily. We are both successful species that are well-suited to our environment, so in that way we are completely equal.
2006-12-29 09:08:01 · answer #5 · answered by random6x7 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no "I am better than you because I am Homosapien" nonsense in the animal kingdom. It all depends on survival of the fittest. Different animals have different ways of survivng. For example, the elephant uses its tusk to fend off prey. Humans do not have any special physical attributes, like sharp claws of a tiger or the strength of a hundred lions. Interestingly, humans survive because of their ability to adabt to any situation due to their intelligence. In short, it is wrong to say that another specie is better than the other. We all survived in different ways the harsh times mother nature threw at us. We are all living and we are all equal!!
2006-12-29 05:54:58 · answer #6 · answered by S 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why don´t we rather ask if humans are the equals of elephants.
2006-12-29 17:28:32 · answer #7 · answered by ryan g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If anyone has watched any of the documentaries about female elephants, it would be clear to him/her that they are amazing creatures. Their social system is wonderful and supportive of eachother. In that respect they may surpass humanity
2006-12-29 06:01:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. That's overkill. Given what passes for human nowadays, I'd have to say a pig answers better. Including the dubious dietary supplement staple.
2006-12-29 05:18:56 · answer #9 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ummm, humans can kill an elephant way easier than they can kill us. its called a gun. our mind makes us better than any other animal
2006-12-29 05:24:08 · answer #10 · answered by jdog33 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋