What qualities make us human?

Question

That is, what makes of different from other animals? In this journey of life, I'm constantly asking myself this question. I'll start with an answer of my own...

I believe we can choose who we love. Sure, people divorce, cheat, etc...but unlike animals, we can stop ourselves from having physical contact with another human being. When an animal is in heat...there's no choice there. With that said, what are some other qualities we as humans possess that differentiate us from other animals?

Answer 1

We are not vastly different from animals in terms of how we think and do a lot of things. However, altruism, ability of think of the future and consequences our deeds and God fearing attitude and compassion that is generated for some causes---are some of the features that make us different.

Answer 2

There are differences between humans and other animals. There are also many more similarities. I find it sad that many wish to think of us as separate from the rest of the universe. Every atom, molecule, and compound that comprises our physical being is exactly the same as all the rest of existence.

The thing that makes us unique is our minds. There are several factors of our consciousness and awareness that distinguish us from other animals. One of the differences is our ability to apply logic to a situation. Primates are the only animals that have this faculty on any distinguishable level. Humans, while possessing this trait, are not much more logical than apes. Our sophistication in this area is enhanced by abstract thought. The ability to see outside of conventional logic and apply abstraction is the key to our uniqueness.

Answer 3

I don't think its healthy to view ourselves as that different from animals. If you really spend time with a cat, a dog, even a chinchilla, you'll know what I mean. We operate mainly on animal instincts too.

What makes us distinctly human is our heavy restraining of our animal instincts, and sometimes complete abstinence. In certain situations, we push the carnal self to the side, so to speak, to take care of other things we judge to be more important.

And there's a lot in that word. Judge. We are human because we judge.

And also because you can read these words I am typing.

And also for the fact you know how to surf the internet.



C.S. Lewis, a theologian, talks about the repression of the carnal self in his book Mere Christianity (you don't have to be Christian to appreciate it).

Answer 4

Good ques dude.First of all we have the capability to think to know wat is good n bad.As human beings we love care have affection towards others unlike animals.Thank to god that we all born as human beings,we have some purpose in life.We have to know that.Put a ques to u that who are you,why are here.We can stop ourselves by having physical contact with others.If we do sex with everyone we see then there is no difference btw ours and animals.We can control our thoughts by proper meditation.Good Luck.

Answer 5

there are TWO QUALITIES of us human , that's is : (1) OUR PHYSICAL BODY : which is much more usefull than other animals. We can smokes a cigarettes , writes , eats using a spoon and chop sticks , etc. , while , others animals can't. (2) we had a much bigger MIND than other animals do , for to be ables to make MATERIALIZING of our needs and desires , that's is also with the ABILITIES OF OUR BODY. Hmmm , did i feels like a loll person here.

Answer 6

The ability to receive love. Certainly not just rationality.

Answer 7

the ability to reason. and a higher degree of self-awareness

Answer 8

our ablity to think and learn.