Are we no more than animals?

Question

I copy a response to another's question. Do you believe this true? Are we animals?

""Well we are animals. Like animals we kill eachother, prove who is stronger and who is higher in the food chain.
Whats the purpose in life of an animal?
Isnt it just breed and die?
doesnt a squid die when she lays eggs?
Our main purpose in life is to spread our seeds and die and our body breaks down and creates resources for earth and mankind.""

Answer 1

if indeed we are, then art and science would not exist as both are of no importance in breeding and then dying.

Answer 2

This is a strong theme within the Dune books by Frank Herbert.

In a literal sense Man is a type of animal. What distinguishes us as Human is the ability to go beyond instinct - act rationally and logically.

Matter only changes form when a considerable amount of force is applied to it. For matter to change in to multi-cellular life forms, it takes an immense amount of force applied over millions of years. We can't really say what force caused these changes but may point to a consciousness deliberately causing changes...call it a field of potential or whatever you want.

While we could just be a form of entertainment for a higher being, like the Sims or characters in Grand Theft Auto, it's more likely the answer to what we are and what our purpose is lays in all the world's scriptures and philosophies.

I think we find our purpose and our humanity on an individual level through our experiences and perceptions.

But, would we be happier as animals? The post modern era has been one of increasing animalism which has really been as a result of mankind giving up on the idea of a purpose.

Instead mankind is opting for the quick fixes - status symbols to enhance social standing and breeding potential.

Territorial domination.

Dominant sexual behavior.

Dopamine stimulation by excess eating, drinking or narcotics.

Zero commitment to anything.

Nihilistic view of human worth.

We are victim to our own evolution.

The thought that there may be no answer has made many give up on ever finding one. As our own Humanity seems so imperceptible many have given up on it and find comfort in the oblivion of being all that is animal.

What I know of my own existence is that what I am exists far beyond the world of matter. If evolution from animal in to human is such a conscious act, my decision to not breed (and remain celibate) and step outside much of the chain of human behavior is another form of evolution but this time an evolution of the consciousness.

I know that I am equal to anybody reading this. We are different, some weaker, some stronger, some more beautiful, some more ugly....but still equal. We all have equal amounts of abilities and disabilities. Consider that the next time you see a "disabled" person in a wheelchair who can't walk and can barely speak. We may not even have words for the gifts and abilities that person has, let alone understand them.

My existence is different though. I know that what is at the core of us exists and is separate from our physical being as many know. All that I am will not end with the death and decomposition of my flesh - nor will yours. I know that the feeling of detachment from instincts increases and not only do I now feel less animal but less human as well.

I wouldn't class my self as either.

Answer 3

no more - no less. It is not our behaviour which shows this to be so. For humans often behave in a way an animal will not. Take killing - it is few animals which (contrary to Hollywood's doctrine) kill for pleasure.

We know we are animals because of ALL the pointers of our biology.

Their is no purpose in any life - human or other. We make our purpose. That IS the exciting bit. We can make our world. Now, because we have had centuries of looking for purpose, seeking out higher good and so on. Making it a quest for only those who are bright enough - we now find ourselves in a right state. We are on the point of killing the earth with our own greed and it is the very people who can stop it, who want us to continue into the valley of oblivion.

If we, as a world, really tackle our animal needs then we can just about put the breaks on.

Or are we toi follow that other animal - the lemming

Answer 4

We definitely are more than merely animals. See the highest works and products of humans in comparison to any organization or product of other animals. Sure destruction and war happen, but these are part of life. We "breed" but some choose not to contribute to the increasing population amidst impending resource shortage.


The ultimate difference in humans and other animals is that while the majority of humans still believe they must reproduce, there are some who choose to not do this given the world condition. Other animals simply do this instinctually. We have instincts, but we also have rational capability that prevents us from acting like apes and chimps.


I can't speak for all of mankind, but when focusing on the arts and achievements of humankind it brings me to relish in life and think life is worth living. The expressions of being human are variable according to wealth, resources, intelligence, culture, and health.

Answer 5

I really hope not, especially since I can't have kids, I guess my life would have no purpose.
The basics of the statement are right, we live, reproduce, and die. Many people will "kill" to get ahead.
The question: is that all you believe your life to be about?
My life has more meaning, I have purpose beyond reproduction and death. Only the individual can come to the determination of their own life's worth.

Answer 6

Yes, we are animals. Like other animals, we protect each other, but we prove who is stronger by law, and who is higher in the chain of reason. We serve the purposes of breeding and dieing, but we create in-between those things.
Our main purpose as the "rational" animal is serve our own purposes, without the initiation of force. Those who "kill each other, prove who is stronger and who is higher in the food chain" of humanity initiate force.
Look to the good in humanity as its role model, not to the bad.

Answer 7

Only the first sentence is accurate.

The rest is juvenile and naive.

We are animals. We aren't 'just' animals. That just sounds like an excuse for personal immorality. Besides, altruism exists all over the natural world.

The author of that gibberish should look in to game theory and perhaps read Axelrod's 'the evolution of cooperation'.

Answer 8

To a degree, Yes. But a squid isn't an animal! And it is just the survival instinct that also exists within the movements of the earth. Balancing and re-balancing all of it's elements to maintain it's natural order of things. Harmony through Chaos. Life through Death, Creation through Destruction, Time vs. Gravity. And the cycle of life continues Simba!!!!

Answer 9

This is an old argument. Socrates would say notions such as the meaning of Justice and Courage make us different from animals. To extend this further, one would argue that virtue and ethics, as well as the free will and volition to choose those actions by the 'wise agent', make us uniquely human and completely different from animals.

Answer 10

At times we are worst than animals.
Animals don't kill other animals unless they are hungry.

Human beings have created the society and expects its members to follow and live according to the norms set by the society. The same society now inter fear with other peoples affairs and wage wars to implement the rules.

Answer 11

I just learned that a squid isn't an animal like a doggy or a horsie is and maybe a kitty is an animal..I just like to call em all doggies