Is Mankind "better than" other living organisms?

Question

In other words...
Is Man more important than a simple flower?
is A human being more important than ...say.... Algae?

I know this seems like a silly question to SOME
but think about it.....

why or why not do you see things the way you do?

Answer 1

Some will argue that mankind is better because we have the capacity to think and reflect upon the things we do as well as to "create" to a certain extent new inventions that allow our lives to be easier. However in the realm of "importance" we are probably the lowest on the rung because we continue to use and abuse the environment around us including those of our own species to get what we want for ourselves, making us the most selfish of any living creature on earth. Other living things as low as algae give back to the environment and the environment would not survive without them. If mankind disappeared all other forms of life would probably flourish. Making us the most intelligent and the most unimportant at the same time.

Answer 2

It would strike me that this question would be better suited in the Philosophy section, however, that will not stop me from trying to give you a satisfactory answer.

In the grand scheme of the universe, I would suspect that all creatures, are pretty insignificant. I doubt that the former planet Pluto is going to be effected by either. So it depends on what you consider to be important. I consider myself more important, but that could be because I really like me.

If we were to look at it Theologically, then yes, Man is more important then the other natural things, because as being made in the image of God, we are essentially given dominion over all other living things.

If we look at it Scientifically, then yes as well. For we have the capability to technologically destroy all life on this planet. Thus, in our ability to effect other creatures lies our level of importance.

Answer 3

If you consider higher level thought "better", then definitely. Of course in the grand scheme of things, the food chain is kind of important, as the human conscience has moved us beyond cannibalism.

Answer 4

Well, the human body is extremely complex and remarkable. We all have a niche or role in the environment. Our ecosystems are very fragile. Therefore, if you take one species out, you affect everything. I wouldn't say one species has a bigger role in our world, but humans are the dominant species. We also have the most power to change it.

Answer 5

we are all needed to play our part in life so i wouldn't say that mankind is more important or better,we need each other to survive because we are all connected in some way or the other.

Answer 6

I think we ARE more important than any other life of which we are aware. We are because we are capable of figuring out just about everything.

Answer 7

no not necessarily, we are needed but so is that flower, the alge. The eco system would be destroyed with a missing or any missing part

Answer 8

No. We are NO "better" than the turtle you swerve your car to avoid on the highway for (& if you DON'T swerve... ... !). Life does not exist solely to serve US, WE exist to take care of LIFE (or why ELSE would God have given us & ONLY us- that "gift"?). We're ALL "links" on the SAME chain. And we must take care of IT- the way IT takes care- of US. :)

Answer 9

I am "better" than a flower in every way but what flowers do.

Answer 10

We're mentally, sociologically and technologically more advanced... but that doesn't necessarily make us better than other organisms.