Humanity: Above the Other Species?

          We are superior, from our morals of what is right and wrong, to our reasoning and ability to think. With this statement in mind, you might ask me why I even begin to write about something so widely known and openly accepted. It’s simple, really. Like any other concerned young person, I strive to question common beliefs in an effort to gain unpopularity and a better understanding of the world I have been thrust into. Today, I choose to toy with the reasons we, the human race, are above the billions of other species on this tiny globe, a theory that sadly is rarely touched upon.
          One of the main and easily exonerated reasons presented as proof of our superiority is that, in almost all religious books and texts, it is stated as thus. Adam was created to rule over the other animals. We are made in God’s image. However, until we are able to discover or understand other species religious beliefs, we can only go on our own ideas, which, as one can see, make them slightly biased. Therefore, our superiority cannot be rationally proven through our religion or evidence that comes from it.
          Another theory we have about this hierarchy of humanity is our morals. We know to kill without cause is wrong, and that everyone is equal, to name a few values. Unlike some species, which kill off those that are weak or unfit, we are compassionate – we are human. Yet what about the thousands upon thousands of killers that exist today? About the deaths surrounding affairs, divorces, and other conflicts caused by love, the very thing supposed to keep us together? Or the dictatorships that are seen throughout history? Or the esteemed philosophers of Social Darwinism? All of these led to millions of innocent deaths, all without cause - at least what we would consider a just foundation. These people were not killing in self-defense - what is worse, most were killing for pleasure. Like hunting - only they took it to the next level. In this way, we are unlike the beasts we look at with disgust, whom only kill for food or territories. Although they fight for love, most do not intentionally (very rarely in fact) murder their opponent. Some species do kill off those that are useless or maimed, but is it something we should really use to justify ourselves? Since, as the Spartans, Nazis, and Communists (to name just a few) took the exact same action during their campaigns? What is even more horrific to recall, not only did they knock off the disabled, they also got rid of people who were not of the “right” color, “right” religion, “right” sect, or “right” sexual orientation. Does this show how far we are from the rest of the species – how we are the “right” species, perhaps?
          Since I only wish to question the main reasons that are used to support the belief of our superiority, I will not go into the many ways other species are similar to our own. I would like to point out, however, that many of the reasons we use to justify this idea of the supreme species are, in fact, incorrect, since many others show similar traits. For example, elephants (born wanderers) will stop their travels and stay with a dying member until they are gone, after which they will try and cover the body. Many mothers of different species are very protective of their young, nurturing them into young adulthood. Thus, our supposed humanity is frequently found in other types of groups, our morals or codes in various other forms throughout nature.
          A final belief supporting our supremacy is our intelligence. Unlike the rest, we were able to grow – to create weapons of protection, to create governments, and to think – to go to school, college, learn, etc. This is one of the hardest and thus most rational explanations given for the argument. I shall leave it up to the reader, you, to decide how great our intelligence is (and perhaps how beneficial it has been, looking at the nuclear weaponry, pollution, and the speedy approach of earth’s collapse our intelligence has brought us). But there are a few things I would like to remind you of before you make your decision. Firstly, I would find it very imprudent to assume that our fellow members of the earth lack any intelligence whatsoever. The very fact that they too are able to create homes for themselves, create groups and a system to live by show otherwise. Secondly, by believing we are the only unit of credible intelligence on this planet, we lose the possibility of ever finding out – discovering genuine evidence - to prove this. Coco, the ape that learned sign language, was just one step in breaking down the walls of ignorance. Finally, is it not reasonable to say that our intelligence was a defense created for protection? That, just like lions have their claws, alligators have their hard skin, and cheetahs have their incredible speed, we have our intelligence to create an artificial defense?
          Like many of the philosophers I admire, I have no doubt said a few things that you or others might object to or disagree with. My apologies – I only wish to make people think about the beliefs they so often overlook or simply accept. Humans are superior in many ways – yet in others they would be wise to view the actions of those they deem less important, intelligent, or moral. As is the case with all things that have dared to consider themselves greater than they are, disaster follows. Therefore, it might be a smart idea to always remember what place everyone (and everything) has in earth’s working system - each with their own niche to fill.